The number of people against the removal of a book from the Helena School District curriculum far out-numbered the proponents at a public hearing Tuesday night, but the committee reviewing the request likely won’t make a decision for at least another month.

The nearly two-hour hearing attended by more than 100 people was the result of a request for reconsideration from Helena mom Michele Smith. She objects to the high schools using “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie in classrooms. Thirty-three people opposed removing the book while four, including Smith, testified in support.

Smith testified that her daughter’s English teacher at Helena High School had three book options to meet the reading requirement. She said the other two options were more challenging and the teacher knew many students would not read them.

“So she chose this book, fifth-grade level material, to target those reluctant readers,” Smith said. “This is a glaring example to me of, instead of challenging and inspiring kids to read at a high level, we are dumbing down our educational standards.”

Smith utilized the district’s opt-out option and her daughter was allowed to read a different title, but she says no person of any age should read this book.