A school librarian in the Clark County School District has sparked controversy after filing a police complaint linked to a trustee’s comments about pornography in schools. Nicole Beer, a librarian at Reynaldo Martinez Elementary School, contacted law enforcement following a social media post made by Trustee Lydia Dominguez. Dominguez’s post expressed concern for children exposed to what she termed “pornographic material” in school libraries and called for their cleansing in a spiritual context.
According to Beer, during her lunch break, she saw Dominguez’s Instagram post which stated, “I pray for the children exposed to pornographic material in our libraries. In Jesus name cleanse these libraries from all evil.” In her statement to district police, Beer expressed her concern that Dominguez’s comments implied she could face legal repercussions for her role as a librarian.
The incident raises significant questions about what constitutes appropriate materials for children in educational settings. Dominguez has previously testified before the Nevada Legislature, indicating that certain books available in district libraries are so explicit that they are not permitted in men’s prisons. This statement highlights a serious debate over the accessibility of such materials to students.
The librarian’s reaction to Dominguez’s post suggests a deeper anxiety about scrutiny surrounding the content available to students. Beer’s concern about potential legal action indicates a troubling environment where educators feel threatened by the opinions of school trustees and community members.
Following the complaint, a district police officer visited Beer at the school. The officer found that Dominguez’s posts did not constitute a threat under Nevada Revised Statutes, specifically NRS 392.915, which pertains to harassment. The officer noted, “I was able to determine that the Instagram posts were not threatening in nature.”
Questions have arisen regarding whether Beer faced any repercussions for filing the complaint. When contacted for comment, the Clark County School District declined to provide information, citing confidentiality regarding personnel matters.
The incident is part of a larger trend observed in recent legislative sessions, where discussions around educational materials have intensified. During the last session, all legislative Democrats voted in favor of a bill that could have made opposing pornographic books in schools a felony, though it was ultimately vetoed by Governor Joe Lombardo.
Critics argue that educators who provide access to sexually explicit material should be held accountable, emphasizing the need for parental oversight in school libraries. As the debate continues, many parents and community members are urged to remain vigilant regarding the materials available to their children in educational institutions.
The situation at Reynaldo Martinez Elementary serves as a focal point in the ongoing discussion about appropriate content in schools and the responsibilities of those who manage library resources. With the librarian’s complaint dismissed, the district will likely face further scrutiny as stakeholders advocate for more stringent oversight of educational materials.
