The Bozeman School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously to reject a request to remove a book from Gallatin High School classrooms Monday night.

The book, “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian,” by Sherman Alexie, is a part of the 9th grade English curriculum at the school.

Higgs’ husband, Bryant Higgs, read a statement on his wife’s behalf, which included a reading from a scene in the book where the character talks about masturbation. Higgs argued that that the book promotes hate against her religion.

If parents don’t want their children to read certain books, they can request alternative assignments, said Janice Benham, who retired from teaching English for the district’s Bridger Alternative Program about 10 years ago.

Higgs also previously submitted a request to remove the novel “The Marrow Thieves,” by Cherie Dimaline from the curriculum. Her challenge was based on grounds similar to her concerns with Alexie’s book. The board denied her appeal in February 2023.

In an interview after the meeting, Superintendent Casey Bertram said Higgs’ two requests are the only two book challenges in the past four years.

Bertram gave an update about a recent change that will allow parents who live outside the district to apply to send their children to Bozeman schools.

Since the district announced its application process on Dec. 28, it has received 58 applications from out-of-district parents, Bertram said during the meeting.

The board also voted to approve a $313,600 increase to its high school general fund, following school funding changes made by Montana House Bill 36, passed in 2023.

Under the changes in HB 36, the Office of Public Instruction will contact districts directly to tell them how much of a funding increase they’re eligible for, making the process simpler, Waterman said. The $313,600 increase was the amount identified by the state.

Bozeman Chronicle: Bozeman School Board denies request to remove novel from Gallatin High curriculum