New Hanover school board votes down public update on banned book replacement

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover County Board of Education voted down a public update on the replacement process for a book that was banned two years ago. 

Before the board approved items at their agenda review on Tuesday, Board Member Judy Justice asked for an update on the process to choose a replacement for the book Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You. 

The book—which explores the history of racism in America—was banned from AP curriculum by the board in September of 2023. At the time, the board called the ban a “temporary removal” and said it would find a suitable alternative. 

When Justice asked for an update, Board Chair Melissa Mason said a replacement will be chosen by the curriculum committee. 

Democrat Tim Merrick filed a motion to give the public an update on the process at their next meeting.  

Merrick says the issue is important and warrants an update, while Pete Wildeboer says it’s unnecessary. 

“I think it’s only fair to the public to bring substantive discussions to the full board meeting,” Merrick said. 

“I think we just announced that it’s going to go to curriculum and anybody who’s watching now, or in the audience now would know that, so I don’t understand why,” Wildeboer pushed back. 

Merrick was joined fellow Democrat Judy Justice and Republican David Perry who voted “yes” on the motion. The other four Republican board members shot down the motion to provide an update 4-3. 

The board will meet again at 2 p.m. on May 27.