This group of young adult novels, available Nov. 2, 2023, at the Pendleton Public Library, are some of the books that were challenged at Helix Charter School. The stories all explore LGBTQ+ themes of identity, sexuality, romance and expression.

A week ago today we showcased what East Oregonian reporter Berit Thorson found out about the Helix Charter School’s censorship of certain books.

During her reporting, we received pushback from some in the school district claiming we were “making something out of nothing.” For the newsroom, that’s often a clue we’re on the right track.

Last week’s story was based on the public records request Thorson had to file to get the titles of the books.

The public records revealed all 18 titles focused on LGBTQ+ characters or had LGBTQ+ references. The records also revealed the books were not in the school library, but in a teacher’s classroom.

Helix Principal and Superintendent Brad Bixler knew all that when Thorson interviewed him for the first story about this, and he admitted that during the interview following the receipt of the public records: “I just didn’t give you all of the information. I gave you information on what I thought was pertinent on why the books were adjusted.”

The EO was not making something out of nothing. We were doing just what we’re supposed to: Hold local government accountable, dig down to get the full story, shine sunlight when someone wants to hide a situation in shadows.

We know one parent complained about those books because of their LGBTQ+ content. We don’t know who that was, and that’s fine. That person does not matter here. Bixler’s and the school district’s obfuscation does.

Bixler insisted, though, he did not allow the LGBTQ+ content to be the reason for removing the books. He said questioning the books came down to concerns about age-appropriate language. Bixler was the key source for the EO as we reported on Helix transitioning to a charter school, and we grew to trust what he had to say. We want to trust him on the issue of language in these books.

In the scope of government censorship, this might be small potatoes. But the EO could not turn a blind eye to this. Nor are we ignoring the several other stories we have on deck about concerns with local governments, from bullying in schools to possible ongoing ethics violations.

Our newsroom remains short staffed, but we’re getting to these stones. After all, readers and community members are the ones asking us to do them.

Phil Wright is the managing editor of the East Oregonian.