EDMONTON — The Alberta government has announced a delay in the release of its revised policy regarding school library book bans. Originally scheduled for release this afternoon, the new ministerial order will now be available on Monday.

Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides stated that the government is “taking the time needed” to ensure clarity in the new order. This revision comes nearly a week after the government instructed school boards to halt their efforts to comply with the previous ministerial order.

Under the original directive, school boards were required to remove books that the province classified as containing sexually explicit content. This included any materials with images, illustrations, or written descriptions deemed inappropriate. As a result, Edmonton Public Schools compiled a list of over 200 books slated for removal, which included several literary classics. Premier Danielle Smith referred to the school boards' actions as “vicious compliance.”

The postponement of the policy's release has raised questions about the government's approach to managing educational content in schools. Stakeholders are awaiting further details on the revised guidelines and their implications for school libraries across the province.