I'm compelled to respond to statements by Jim Deatherage published in the Herald (In Focus, Aug. 7).

First, I disagree with Deatherage's contention that the Richland School District's instruction materials committee didn't consider student input regarding The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian. Student input was not "meaningless," as Deatherage stated.

Second, the motion to not add this book as core material was clearly stated in a public meeting and openly voted on by the Richland School Board. This certainly was not an "underhanded, manipulative motion."

Third, not every teacher introduces a book's potentially objectionable material and not all students are aware of the "opt-out" policy.

Fourth, some students who chose to "opt out" didn't feel "free from penalty or derision."

Sadly, much of the controversy during the last two years could have been avoided if the Richland School District followed policy 2311: "Staff will prepare, have available for community members, and distribute to students course descriptions which have curriculum goals and list instructional materials, identifying materials of a sensitive nature, including books and videos."

Students and parents deserve transparent information on each book used in the classroom, including the teaching merits and potentially objectionable contents so students and parents can make informed decisions.

Calvin Manning, West Richland

-- Editor's note: Read longtime English teacher Jim Deatherage's column online at tinyurl.com/deatherage.