The following is in response to: HEADLINE COURIER: Allegations against Seable, and Dybdahl sparked Grants Pass School Board investigation by Chris Bristol. The article can be read in the Oct. 27th edition (front page).
I want to address Dybdahl and Seable’s character and clarify their intentions, addressing each core point:
1. Intentions Behind Policy Changes: Dybdahl and Seable’s proposal to adjust library policies is not about censoring ideas or banning books. Instead, it aims to establish a collaborative selection process that respects the diverse values of the Grants Pass community. They believe that parental and community involvement is critical in guiding what’s appropriate for school-aged children and that parents should have a voice in the process. They aim to ensure a safe, developmentally appropriate library environment where students are encouraged to learn and grow with content that aligns with educational values. For Dybdahl and Seable, the policy represents a balance—allowing students access to various resources while respecting the rights of families to help shape their children’s educational journey.
2. Focus on Protecting Age Appropriateness, Not Targeting Content Based on Themes: Despite how it’s framed, this policy review is not a reaction against LGBTQ themes or any other specific viewpoint. Instead, it’s about addressing age-inappropriate material, particularly content with explicit sexual themes that may be better suited for mature readers. Dybdahl and Seable believe that some books currently in the library, such as “Flamer” and “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” contain scenes or language that warrant closer review and, potentially, a different placement within the library where students would need parental permission to access them. This is not about eliminating access but ensuring children’s exposure to mature content aligns with their parents’ guidance.
3. High Standards of Character and Conduct: Dybdahl and Seable are well-regarded leaders in their community, known for their dedication to integrity and transparency. As board members, they are fulfilling their role to uphold policies that reflect the community’s values while protecting students’ educational experience. Claims of “harassment” and “defamation” against them are unfounded and divert attention from the substance of their work. Dybdahl’s and Seable’s commitment to respectful discourse and constructive dialogue is evident; they are not pushing personal agendas but are seeking policy changes to ensure educational resources are chosen responsibly and with the community’s involvement.
4. Fostering Community Involvement: Their proposal includes establishing a “Librarian Selection Committee,” involving parents, a school board member, and the professional librarian. This committee would work to ensure the books and instructional materials meet educational standards and community norms. By inviting parents and board members into the selection process, Dybdahl and Seable emphasize collaboration over control, a far cry from censorship. They envision a process where diverse perspectives are respected and where educators, parents, and the board can together ensure that students receive enriching, age-appropriate materials.
5. Context of National Discussions on Education and Local Autonomy: Dybdahl and Seable’s concerns reflect nationwide conversations about local autonomy in school decision-making. They believe education policies should be crafted sensitively to local values rather than being mandated from a distance. Seable, for instance, expressed concerns about Oregon Senate Bill 1583, which aimed to restrict book bans based on several identity markers, viewing it as a potential threat to community-based decision-making in education. By opposing the bill, they championed the right of local communities, including Grants Pass, to set their standards and remain closely attuned to parental expectations and students’ developmental needs.
6. Mischaracterization of Dybdahl and Seable’s Actions: Labeling Dybdahl and Seable’s efforts as part of a “culture war” unfairly trivializes their intentions, which are to improve library policies so that they better reflect the needs and values of the Grants Pass community. Their policy adjustments are not driven by a desire to impose any single viewpoint. Still, they are rooted in a passion for responsible governance that prioritizes children’s well-being, fosters inclusivity, and respects the rights of all parents to have a voice in their children’s education.
7. Commitment to Professionalism Amid Unfounded Accusations: The article discusses complaints by district librarian Eva Pieper, including claims of harassment and intimidation. However, Dybdahl and Seable are individuals of strong moral character committed to acting in the best interest of the school and the community. Their interactions with district staff, including Pieper, have been professional and respectful, with any policy disagreements focused solely on student content suitability. They have also respected the investigative process and refrained from public commentary. At the same time, these complaints are under review, demonstrating their commitment to due process and a respectful resolution of these concerns.
In summary, Chad Dybdahl and Nathan Seable are principled leaders who foster a responsible and community-informed approach to education. They are not seeking to censor or marginalize; instead, they promote an environment where educational materials are chosen thoughtfully and collaboratively, and parents play a meaningful role in guiding their children’s content. By promoting policies involving community and family voices, Dybdahl and Seable embody the values of transparency, respect, and local autonomy at the heart of effective public education.
I sent the above under my name to the school board members. Candy
Version 1:
Dear School Board Members,
We want to clarify that we’re not asking for books to be banned or specific viewpoints to be censored. However, we believe that some books containing explicit sexual content should be placed in areas where parents can be involved in deciding when and how their children access these materials. We appreciate the efforts of Chad Dybdahl and Nathan Seable in advocating for policies that respect family involvement and prioritize age-appropriate resources in school libraries.
Their proposal to establish a “Librarian Selection Committee,” which includes parents, is essential to making library choices more transparent and reflective of community values. This isn’t about blocking access but ensuring parents have a voice regarding their children’s reading. We support Chad and Nathan as they work professionally and respectfully to create a solution that balances access with parental guidance.
Thank you for considering this balanced approach that respects open access and family choice.
Sincerely,
[Signatures]
Version 2:
Dear Members of the School Board,
We, as parents, fully support Chad Dybdahl and Nathan Seable’s efforts to keep school libraries open, accessible, and age-appropriate. They aren’t advocating for book bans; instead, they’re working to ensure that explicit sexual content is placed in sections where parents can choose what’s best for their children. We believe this strikes a fair balance between providing diverse materials and respecting family values.
Their suggestion to create a “Librarian Selection Committee,” which includes parents, ensures that book selections are collaborative and transparent. This committee would let parents work directly with the library to support student’s education in a way that reflects community values without compromising access.
This isn’t a “culture war” issue—it’s about respecting parental choice and providing developmentally appropriate materials for all ages. We hope you’ll support Chad and Nathan’s efforts to bring this balanced, community-focused approach to our schools.
Sincerely,
[Signatures]
Version 3:
Dear School Board Members,
We support Chad Dybdahl and Nathan Seable’s efforts to ensure that school libraries provide age-appropriate materials while respecting family involvement. Their proposed policy isn’t about banning books but creating a process where parents and the community can collaborate with librarians to review content that may not be suitable for younger students.
This is about balance—providing students access to diverse materials while allowing parents to guide their children’s exposure to explicit content. Chad and Nathan have shown professionalism and integrity in addressing these concerns, and we believe their approach reflects the values of our community.
Sincerely,
[Signatures]
Attached are the emails for the D7 School Board
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Article in Courier
| Allegations against Seable, Dybdahl sparked Grants Pass School Board investigation. By Chris Bristol of the Daily Courier An investigation now underway into complaints against two members of the Grants Pass School Board revolves around the school district’s only professionally certified librarian, accusing one of harassing her and the other one’s wife of defamation. The investigation was approved on Oct. 8 by the school board into complaints by district librarian Eva Pieper against board members Chad Dybdahl and Nathan Seable, according to one of several documents obtained this week by the Daily Courier. The conflict stems from an attempt by Dybdahl and Seable to rewrite library policy to give the school board more say in the vetting process of library books and instructional material. That effort coincided with an attempt earlier this year by Dybdahl to privately pressure Superintendent Tim Sweeney into removing three books with LGBTQ themes from the Grants Pass High School library. In a letter to Pieper, board chair Cassie Wilkins informed Pieper that the board had authorized a third-party investigator to look into her complaints against Dybdahl and Seable. She said the investigation would be pursuant to a board policy that defines and prohibits hazing, harassment, intimidation, bullying, menacing and cyberbullying. The investigation also will address Pieper’s concerns about possible violations of public meeting law and what Wilkins referred to as “social media posts of Board Member Dybdahl’s wife … to the extent they are related to the conduct of Board Member Dybdahl.” The complaints and the resulting investigation are the latest development in ongoing culture war turmoil over efforts by Dybdahl and Seable to remove books and other material from school libraries and classrooms they believe are offensive. Those efforts have raised concerns not only about censorship and book bans but now the possibility of litigation. The conflict echoes a rise in book challenges across the United States that began about three years ago, according to groups like the American Library Association and PEN America, a free speech organization. Reports by those groups said the challenges loosely coincide with disruptions and enrollment declines in schools caused by COVID-19 restrictions but have spread from school libraries to public libraries. Last year, a group of conservatives that included far-right extremist Mike Pelfrey, with the backing of the Josephine County Republican Party, tried unsuccessfully to take over the board of the local library district. The Courier previously reported the launching of the school board investigation but was prevented from naming Dybdahl and Seable as the subject of the complaints because they were not specifically named in open session by the board. It can now be said the board acted because of two complaints filed by Pieper. The board voted 4-1 to look into the matter, with Dybdahl and Seable abstaining. Board member Gary Richardson, a supporter of the library policy review sought by Dybdahl and Seable, voted no. Pieper is the Grants Pass School District’s only certified librarian, and her title is “district librarian media specialist.” As such, she supervises lesser-trained staff members called library technicians who run libraries at individual schools in the district. Her office is at the high school. In the first complaint, Pieper called attention to social media posts attributed to Dybdahl’s wife, Karalee, that criticized a book called “Flamer” and Pieper’s role as district librarian. The book was one of three titles Chad Dybdahl tried to have removed from the GPHS library without following a longstanding policy for challenging books. Critiqued as “erotica” by Dybdahl, “Flamer” is a gritty coming-of-age story in the Young Adult genre about a young teenage boy facing homophobia at Scout camp. It includes swear words and sexual situations. According to emails obtained by the Courier through a public records request — and documented in a September article — Dybdahl had expressed frustration with Sweeney, the superintendent, for defending “Flamer” instead of removing it and said he wished the matter could have been handled quietly “in-house.” Dybdahl’s frustration went so far as to express regret in an email with Seable and Wilkins about having given Sweeney a positive job performance evaluation shortly before attempting to have “Flamer” and the other two LGBTQ title removed. In her comments online, Dybdahl’s wife made it clear she saw the root of the problem as being Pieper, the district librarian. “Keep in mind, this was selected by a ‘professional’ Librarian,” Karalee Dybdahl posted about “Flamer.” Another post referred to “these books” as “filth,” while another suggested librarians and other school officials promote obscene material in ways that would be a “crime” if not for protections in statute and by the courts for art and education. “They’re basically exempt from prosecution,” the post said, adding, “What a sick world we live in.” Other people in the same thread expressed their agreement with Karalee Dybdahl’s opinions, referring to ongoing “indoctrination” of youths and such indoctrination as “pure evil.” Some used terms like “child abuse” and “grooming.” The posts included screenshots from “Flamer,” a graphic novel, that have been posted many times on conservative websites and social media platforms since the book, one of the most challenged in the country, was published in 2020. In recent weeks, formal challenges have been filed against at least two books in the high school library — “Flamer” and another LGBTQ title that Dybdahl tried to have removed called “All Boys Aren’t Blue.” The challenge process has multiple steps that will now require the district, and perhaps the board, to carefully consider the literary merits of the books. In addition to complaints about Karalee Dybdahl’s social media commentary, Pieper also filed a complaint against Seable that accuses him of harassment. The accusation stemmed from an encounter after a school board meeting on Sept. 24. During the meeting, the board voted 4-3 to table the library policy review sought by Dybdahl, Seable and Richardson. The other board members said they wanted to wait for updated guidance on the subject from the Oregon School Boards Association. With dozens of supporters and opponents in attendance, the meeting grew increasingly tense, and Dybdahl and Seable were visibly frustrated with their colleagues’ hesitation. Afterwards, Pieper said, she encountered Dybdahl and Seable talking to two other men in the parking lot. Referencing as context the criticism she had been receiving from Dybdahl’s wife online, she said she ignored Dybdahl when he said hi, but that Seable wouldn’t take no for an answer when he asked to speak to her and she tried to avoid him. She said the interaction stopped only when she got into her car, and that it left her feeling “uneasy and shaken.” She said she had sought to avoid talking to Seable ever since an interaction earlier in the year in which she said Seable assertively told her they needed to talk about the library. “Nathan should not have continued to pressure me to talk to him … considering that we had just left a board meeting where, once again, my job performance in collection development was being called into question by Nathan and Chad, including comments suggesting that I’m engaging in illegal activity with the books that I allow in the library,” she said. In a four-page followup letter to Wilkins, the board chair, Pieper repeatedly accused Dybdahl and his wife of defamation, warned of “legal liabilities,” and made several demands, including a “formal review of the conduct of Chad Dybdahl and Nathan Seable.” Days later, the board voted to investigate her complaints. In an email on Friday, Seable said the complaint against him “is being dealt with in executive session and I have no comment about any specifics. I’m confident time will show that there has been no wrongdoing.” Dybdahl did not respond to requests for comment left on his cellphone and in an email. The policy changes authored by Seable would give the school board more say in the vetting process of library books and classroom materials. Seable proposes the current process for selecting books led by Pieper be placed in the hands of a “Librarian Selection Committee” that would include parents and a member of the school board. Seable, Dybdahl and Richardson have defended the policy review as necessary and a natural right of the school board to make sure library materials are age-appropriate and to the community’s liking. In a statement on social media earlier this summer, Seable denied his proposed policy rewrite was a reaction “to any particular book or books,” but did concede that concerns about “certain books” had “highlighted the importance of keeping explicitly sexual pornography out of the school.” Previously, Seable has said his support for a revision of library policy was sparked by proposed state legislation, Senate Bill 1583, that would have prohibited book bans in Oregon on the basis of race, gender identity, country of origin, sexual orientation, disability and immigrant status. The controversial measure split the Legislature along party lines. It passed the Oregon Senate on a vote of 17-12 but the 2024 legislative session ended with the bill dying in the House Rules Committee. Seable said he was opposed to the bill, as were Dybdahl and others on the Grants Pass School Board, as a threat to local autonomy. Also with a strong opinion about it was Karalee Dybdahl. In a statement submitted to the Senate Committee on Education, she said passage of the bill would cause further enrollment declines and that the state “has zero respect for the rights of parents and what sort of content their children are exposed to.” “It would be a shocking turn of events if the leadership of this state paid as much attention to reading and math as they do to social and sexual issues,” she continued, adding, “With bills like this, I can’t imagine why anyone would choose to raise a family in this state.” The status of the board investigation into Pieper’s complaints about Seable and the Dybdahls is not clear. Neither Sweeney, the superintendent, nor Ryan Thompson, the human resources director, responded to an inquiry about the timeline. The investigator as identified by Wilkins is a Portland attorney with Miller Nash, one of the largest law firms in the Northwest. Her LinkedIn profile says she is on the law firm’s “education and public entities teams” and that she served 16 years as general counsel to a major urban school district. Seable and Dybdahl were two candidates in a bloc of four that was swept onto the school board in May 2023 with strong support from the Josephine County Republican Party. On election night, Seable told the Courier that the four newly elected conservatives “don’t want to see division and don’t want to see culture war stuff distracting education.” With respect to the proposed rewrite of library policy, the Grants Pass Education Association has previously urged the board against conducting “a highly politicized review process that could result in the censorship and banning of library materials.” Asked for comment Friday on Pieper’s complaints, Kim Beggs, co-president of the union, said it stood by the librarian. “Eva is our licensed librarian professional and she should be treated as such,” Beggs said. “The malicious harassment both in public and online needs to cease.” ——— Reach city editor Chris Bristol at 541-474-3716 or cbristol@thedailycourier.com. ————————————————— Letter from Seable Opportunity for dialogue and perhaps unity Speaking for myself and not the school board: Given the recent articles about library books printed in the Courier, the community should know that I am a big supporter of intellectual freedom and the educators who run our schools and libraries. I’m proud to be from a family of educators. I also understand the role of a school board member is to represent the community’s concerns and not shy away from difficult issues. I was elected to help craft policy guidance for local education, and I will not be deterred from that. This should be a straightforward matter of ensuring age-appropriate educational resources. Yet, some have turned to accusations of “partisan politics” and “censorship.” If we could resist that urge, we’d see an opportunity for open dialogue and perhaps unity. I believe parents, educators and community members all want what’s best for our children. Many seek assurance that students aren’t being exposed to content too mature for their age, while others worry that restricting access could lead to broader censorship. The locally crafted policy draft contains language reflecting a shared commitment to both age appropriateness and intellectual freedom. It centers professional library staff in the process of material selection, and brings parents, a very important stakeholder, to the table. This conversation requires the ability to respect each other’s concerns without immediately assuming ill intent. Imagine what we could accomplish if we were committed to finding common ground. Let’s approach this thoughtfully, recognizing that our children’s well-being is a value we all share. NATHAN SEABLE Grants Pass The letter-writer is a member of the Grants Pass School Board. |