Implementation of Missouri Senate Bill 775: Variations Across Districts
Missouri Senate Bill 775 (SB 775), signed into law in 2022, introduced new standards regarding sexually explicit material in public school libraries. The legislation prompted districts across the state to review library collections and evaluate which materials remained compliant under the updated statutory language.
Following its passage, implementation of SB 775 has varied among Missouri school districts. Some districts removed titles containing graphic imagery or explicit content, while others retained certain titles after conducting their own internal reviews. The Rockwood School District was among those that maintained some books that had reportedly been removed elsewhere.
The statute does not provide a detailed list of affected titles, instead outlining definitions and legal standards that districts must interpret and apply. As a result, school administrators and legal counsel in individual districts have exercised discretion in determining compliance. This has led to visible differences in how collections were adjusted across the state.
For parents and community members following the issue, the variations created uncertainty. Families attempting to understand how SB 775 was being applied encountered differing outcomes depending on district interpretation. In Rockwood, questions arose about how certain titles with graphic images were assessed under the new law.
These differences contributed to ongoing debate regarding consistency, enforcement, and interpretation of the statute. While some viewed district-level discretion as appropriate within the framework of state law, others expressed concern that uneven application could undermine the intent of the legislation.
As SB 775 continues to shape library review procedures across Missouri, districts remain responsible for determining how best to interpret and implement the law within their existing policies and governance structures.
Books not Removed by the Rockwood School District
This Book is Gay is a non-fiction book written by Juno Dawson. The book provides an exploration and celebration of LGBTQ+ identities, history, and culture. It was removed from the North Kansas City School District in response to SB 775.
This Book is Gay (page 200)
The Low, Low Woods, written by Carmen Maria Machado and illustrated by Dani Strips, is a chilling and atmospheric graphic novel set in the eerie, declining mining town of Shudder-to-Think, Pennsylvania. It was removed from the Wentzville School District in response to SB 775.
The Low, Low Woods (page 71)
milk and honey by Rupi Kaur is a collection of poetry that explores themes of love, loss, trauma, and healing. The book is divided into four sections, each of which explores different aspects of the human experience through vivid and evocative imagery. It was removed from the Kirkwood and Webster Groves School Districts in response to SB 775.
milk and honey (page 13)
Slaughterhouse-Five: The Graphic Novel, adapted by Ryan North and illustrated by Albert Monteys, is a visual retelling of Kurt Vonnegut's classic anti-war novel, Slaughterhouse-Five. This graphic novel reimagines the story of Billy Pilgrim, a World War II veteran who becomes "unstuck in time" after experiencing the horrific firebombing of Dresden, Germany. It was removed from the Wentzville School District in response to SB 775.
Slaughterhouse-Five: The Graphic Novel (page 142)
Last Man: The Royal Cup, written by Bastien Vivès, Michael Sanlaville, and Balak, is the second volume in the Last Man graphic novel series. The story takes place in the fantastical world of Paxtown, where a prestigious martial arts tournament called the Royal Cup is held. It was removed from the Wentzville School District in response to SB 775.
Last Man: The Royal Cup (page 188)