Emails from Buckeye Valley Local school board members shed new light on book controversy

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — It seems innocent enough, but a book about a unicorn has stirred up plenty of debate and put the author in the national spotlight.

It all started when Jason Tharp claims the Buckeye Valley Local School District wouldn't let him read the book to kids because some thought it was promoting a gay lifestyle. That sparked a wave of controversy that's getting attention across the country.

Now, ABC 6 is getting a firsthand look at some of those complaints that led to a nationwide firestorm.

ABC 6 received pages of emails between the interim superintendent of the Buckeye Valley Local School District and board members who were concerned about Tharp bringing his book to their kids' school. The concern for some was the book about a unicorn was pushing a message they didn't like.

“The book is actually about me as a kid. I grew up where I felt out of place. Sometimes we’re able to change multiple people’s minds by our just living into our truths,” Tharp said.

Truth for Jason Tharp means it's ok to be yourself. When ABC 6 spoke with him he said that's the message behind his latest book, 'It's Okay to be a Unicorn!'

“I’m hoping to reach that one kid," Tharp told ABC 6.

But it sparked plenty of pushback when he was set to read the book to kids at a Buckeye Valley Local school. He along with several parents tell us after the district received complaints about the book promoting homosexuality, plans for him to read the book to kids were scrapped.

“It’s highly disappointing because there’s absolutely no reason for it,” said parent Michelle Mauk who works for the school district as well.

Now, ABC 6 is getting more insight into those complaints that sparked a growing controversy. Emails between the interim superintendent and members of the Buckeye Valley Board of Education.

From board member, Tom Ailabouni:

"We are telling kids that being gay is ok? And wear clothes to create a rainbow?"

"Are we out of our minds? Get ready to talk more lawsuits. This is not ok."

And this from board vice-president Donald Dickie:

"Why would we welcome an author who is pushing LGBTQ ideas on our most vulnerable students?"

After we broke the initial story it went national. Headlines in the Washington Post, USA Today, CBC Radio and CNN.

For their part, district administrators have maintained the book wasn't banned. However, that is not what Tharp and several in the know told ABC 6.

“That was a decision that was made somewhere up that chain and no one wants to seem to take credit for that,” said Mauk.

The students also never saw that book.

Tharp stresses the book is not about sexuality, it's simply about being yourself and loving whoever you are. It's unclear at this point if he will ever be invited back to read any of his books to the kids in the Buckeye Valley Local School District. Tharp told ABC 6 that district hasn't had much communication with him since this controversy started to grow.