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Date of Award

Summer 2025

Document Type

Doctoral Dissertation

Department or Program Affiliation

Education Leadership and Inclusive Teaching

Degree Name

Doctorate of Education

Department

Education Leadership and Inclusive Teaching

First Advisor

Makoyiisaaminaa, Will

Second Advisor

Robertson, Wayne Thomas

Third Advisor

Irish, Justin

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the intersection between purity culture and contemporary school book challenges by examining the motivations and perspectives of adults who were raised within purity culture and who have actively challenged texts in public schools or served on school boards that enacted restrictive book policies. Through a series of in-depth interviews, the study identifies how key themes of purity culture—including sexual shame, rigid gender roles, and a belief that sexual purity is tied to a person's worth and value—shape participants' views of school curriculum and library materials. Findings validated six dominant themes from existing literature on purity culture. The study's primary aim is to provide educational leaders with a practical guide for navigating book and curriculum challenges. It emphasizes the importance of understanding purity culture not as a fringe movement but as a belief system with widespread influence across religious and political lines. This research contributes to the broader discourse on cultural conflict in schools and the politicization of education.

Type

Text

Keywords

purity culture, book challenges, book bans, school libraries, public schools, educational leaders

Publisher

Western Washington University

OCLC Number

1539656032

Subject – LCSH

Purity (Ethics); Challenged books; Censorship; School libraries; Educational leadership

Format

application/pdf

Genre/Form

doctoral dissertations

Language

English

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.

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