News at Eleven: "Howl" was not a required reading,

[Shelley] Shaneyfelt said. English teachers are given a pre-approved list of books and resources for courses that can be used depending on the specific needs of the students, she said.

The course is offered to senior students as an English elective and is designed for students who want to study literature from the counter-culture of the 1960s through 1980s, Shaneyfelt said. According to its course description, "Alternative Voices will serve as a bridge from high school literary discussion to college literary discussion." Students are assigned readings from counter-culture groups to analyze artistic, persuasive and symbolic strategies and connect similarities and differences of the counter cultures.

from Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: After complaints, Franklin Regional stifles a 'Howl'

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