District 128 apologizes after complaints about guest speaker
Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 officials apologized Friday after complaints about the content of a guest speaker's presentation.
Writer Ian Belknap was among the guests for the school's annual Writers Week event, which ran Monday through Thursday.
During a presentation Wednesday morning, Belknap read an essay containing content and language that was "not appropriate" for a high school audience, District 128 spokeswoman Mary Todoric said.
"Much of the material (was) better suited for an adult audience rather than high school students," she said.
All Writers Week guests sign contracts in which they agree to present material that's appropriate for a high school audience, Todoric said.
The essay in question wasn't among the work Belknap submitted for advance screening.
After Belknap finished reading the piece, teachers stepped in and launched a question-and-answer session, Todoric said.
The school received about six complaints about Belknap's reading, Todoric said. It was the first time in Writers week's six-year history that people complained about the event, Todoric said.
"We regret that this happened, and (we) hope that what occurred in one period does not overshadow the amazing insights and experiences that were made available to our students throughout Writers Week," Todoric said.
When asked about the controversy Friday, Belknap acknowledged students may have found his work "provocative" and "titillating."
Belknap said he was asked to tone down his presentation after that initial session because of concerns it offended people.
"I was happy to accommodate that request," he said.
Belknap said he's performed some of the same material at other high schools "without incident."