Edmonton’s public school board is removing over 200 books, including “The Handmaid’s Tale,” from libraries due to a provincial directive on inappropriate sexual content. The leaked list was verified Friday.
Edmonton Public seems to be practicing “vicious compliance” with the directive, according to Premier Danielle Smith.
The province earlier requested school boards to use discretion in identifying age-inappropriate books for students. By October 1, 2025, all school boards must remove explicit sexual content from library materials under a July 10 ministerial order.
On Thursday, Public School Board chair Julie Kusiek announced that “several excellent books will be removed” this fall, advising those displeased to contact Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides.
Edmonton Public’s book list includes “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” “Brave New World,” and works by Alice Munro and Ayn Rand. Many more books, such as “Nineteen Eighty-Four” and “The Great Gatsby,” will be inaccessible to K-9 students.
Minister Nicolaides announced a review of the board’s book list, seeking clarification on book removals. Alberta Education will ensure policies are implemented to prevent young children’s exposure to sexually explicit books.
Hellbound and Down 