Binghamton School Book Controversy Receives National Attention

The discussion surrounding the reading of a book about social justice in a Binghamton elementary school is generating news coverage beyond the Southern Tier.

Fox News Channel and the New York Post on Wednesday reported on the criticism the city school district has received after "Something Happened in Our Town" was read to young children.

The April "Book-of-the-Month" was discussed with students at MacArthur Elementary School on the city's South Side.

A Binghamton police vehicle at MacArthur Elementary School on April 19, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Law enforcement union leaders have issued statements condemning the use of the book. The Binghamton police union said "there is a blatant anti-police message portrayed in the book."

The Binghamton City School District released a statement apologizing for "the negative light this has shined" on the law enforcement profession.

The statement noted that "while the book includes conversation around racial bias and injustice against African Americans, the concepts are focused on the importance of treating everyone fairly."

Binghamton school superintendent Tonia Thompson and city police chief Joseph Zikuski have not returned calls seeking comment on the book controversy.

A Fox News Channel segment reported on the MacArthur Elementary School book controversy on April 21, 2021. (Source: Fox News Channel)

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 772-8400 extension 233.

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Source: Binghamton School Book Controversy Receives National Attention

Filed Under: Binghamton, Binghamton City School District, MacArthur Elementary, social justice

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