Related to the Review, Challenge, or Removal of Books

Hello we have received your FOIl request and will be in touch as to its status
Thank you
Kristen
Sent from my iPhone

Good Morning,

In response to your FOIL request dated 1/27/25, please be informed:

Upon review of the request, there were no reviews, challenges, and/or
removal of books in the Wappingers Central School District during the
identified time frame of January 27, 2024, to January 27, 2025.

Sharon McDonough
Administrative Assistant to Kristen Dainty
Office of Finance & Business Development
Wappingers Central School District
25 Corporate Park Drive
P.O. Box 396
Hopewell Junction, NY 12533
845-298-5000 x40149

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Kristen Crandall <kristen.crandall@wcsdny.org>
Date: Mon, Jan 27, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Subject: Re: New York Freedom of Information Law Request: Related to the
Review, Challenge, or Removal of Books
To: <requests@muckrock.com>
Cc: Sharon McDonough <sharon.mcdonough@wcsdny.org>

Hello we have received your FOIl request and will be in touch as to its
status
Thank you
Kristen
Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 27, 2025, at 9:15 PM, requests@muckrock.com wrote:



Wappingers Central School District
Superintendent of Schools
25 Corporate Park Drive, PO Box 396
Hopewell Junction, NY 12533

January 27, 2025

Jordan Lassiter
Independent Investigative Journalist
Transparency Report
Email: Jordan@Lassiter.eu
Date: January 27, 2025

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the United States Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. §
552, I hereby request the following records:

Subject: Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request – Records Related to the
Review, Challenge, or Removal of Books

Recipient:
Wappingers Central School District
FOIA Officer
25 Corporate Park Drive
Hopewell Junction, NY 12533

Requested Records

I request access to and copies of the following records related to the
review, challenge, and/or removal of books in the Wappingers Central School
District, including but not limited to the following titles:
• Melissa by Alex Gino
• This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson
• Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
• Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
• All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

This request applies to records created or received during the time frame
January 27, 2024, to January 27, 2025. Specifically, I request:
1. Emails and Metadata:
• All emails, text messages, memos, and reports sent or received by school
district officials, administrators, or staff related to the review,
challenge, or removal of books, including but not limited to the titles
listed above.
• Metadata (e.g., sender, recipient, timestamps, subject lines) for all
communications discussing the books or related decisions.
2. Complaints and Communications:
• Copies of any complaints, formal or informal, received by the school
district regarding books, including but not limited to the listed titles,
from parents, guardians, or other stakeholders.
• Any correspondence between school district officials and complainants
regarding the books.
3. Internal Memos and Decision-Making Records:
• Internal memos or reports related to the review, challenge, or removal of
books.
• Records identifying the individuals, committees, or boards involved in
making final decisions regarding the challenge or removal of books.
• Meeting minutes, agendas, and relevant documentation related to these
decisions.
4. Legal Counsel Communication:
• Records of communication between the school district and legal counsel
regarding the review, challenge, or removal of books. (Please exclude
records that are privileged under attorney-client confidentiality, if
applicable.)
5. Policy Documentation:
• Copies of any policies, procedures, or guidelines the district followed
when reviewing, challenging, or removing books.
6. Deleted or Missing Records:
• Documentation of any deleted or missing records (e.g., emails, text
messages, or other communications) related to the review, challenge, or
removal of books.
• Details on efforts to recover these records or justifications for their
deletion.

Legal Basis for Request
• Transparency and Accountability: As established in NLRB v. Robbins Tire &
Rubber Co., 437 U.S. 214 (1978), public access to records related to
government actions is essential to ensure accountability and transparency.
• Metadata and Communications: As reinforced in Judicial Watch, Inc. v.
U.S. Dep’t of Def., 857 F. Supp. 2d 44 (D.D.C. 2012), metadata is an
integral part of electronic records and must be disclosed.
• Public Interest: FOIA’s principles, reaffirmed in Milner v. Department of
Navy, 562 U.S. 562 (2011), prioritize transparency when no explicit
exemptions apply.

Relevance to Public Interest

This request addresses significant public interest in understanding how the
Wappingers Central School District handles book challenges and removals.
These records are essential for understanding decision-making processes and
ensuring the district operates in a transparent and accountable manner.

Fee Waiver Request

I request a waiver of all fees associated with this request under 5 U.S.C.
§ 552(a)(4)(A)(iii). Disclosure of the requested information will
significantly enhance public understanding of the district’s
decision-making processes regarding book challenges.

Legal Basis: As upheld in Cause of Action v. FTC, 799 F.3d 1108 (D.C. Cir.
2015), FOIA fee waivers should be granted for requests that contribute to
public knowledge of government activities.

If the fee waiver is denied, I agree to pay up to $200 for processing fees
and request prior notification if costs exceed this amount.

Response Format and Timeline

Please provide the requested records in electronic format where possible.
As stipulated by FOIA, I look forward to your response within 20 business
days. If any part of this request is unclear, I am available at
Jordan@Lassiter.eu for clarification or to discuss the scope of this
request.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Jordan Lassiter
Independent Investigative Journalist
Transparency Report

View request history, see one related attachment, upload responsive
documents, and report problems here:
https://www.muckrock.com/

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Attachments:
• Fee_Waiver_Letter_copy.pdf

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