A magazine challenge?

Here are my thoughts of an imaginary challenge to Rolling Stone – I hope it doesn’t really happen, but it is an interesting thought as I make collection development decisions:

Dear Librarian:

My daughter brought home a copy of Rolling Stone from the school library this past week, and I request that it no longer be in the school library. While I realize that high school students like to read about music, I am disappointed in the language and values represented in Rolling Stone, and do not feel it has a place in a high school library.

Dear Concerned Parent:

Thank you for sharing your concerns about our school library’s collection, including our magazines. This has been chosen as a worthwhile, enjoyable way for students to pass time. While I understand your concerns about some of the pictures and language in the magazine, sheltering teens from that will only make it more inviting. The magazine has in-depth stories about current popular culture; it begins a lifetime of reading and learning about current interests. Our collection development policy does not reject any true material based on language as long as it is not discriminatory.  You are her parent, and have to make the decision about how you will handle your individual situation, but Rolling Stone will remain in the high school library as long as the students enjoy it.