The Columbia County Board of Commissioners approved a proclamation declaring Columbia County as a non-sanctuary county during the meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Board Chair Doug Duncan said Columbia County was recently on a list stating the county does not comply with federal immigrations laws and that is incorrect.
“There was a question about whether we complied with federal law and it’s important for the commission to step up, because frankly the rule of law is number one in Columbia County and there really is no number two,” Duncan said. “We’re the third safest county in Georgia and have the third lowest crime rate. It’s just very, very important that we set the standards.”
Columbia County Sheriff Clay Whittle said the claim from the Center for Immigration Studies that Columbia County is a sanctuary county is not true.
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“That’s about the farthest thing from the truth and anybody that lives in Columbia County would know we have never been a sanctuary a county,” Whittle said. “We are currently not a sanctuary county, and I can tell you as long as I’m the sheriff and these commissioners are the commissioners, it will not be a sanctuary county. We believe in following the law. We believe in working with our state, local and federal partners to help enforce the law. That’s what we’ve been doing.”
As for how Columbia County ended up on the list, Whittle said they have been told that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has the county listed a limited cooperation county. But he doesn’t know why.
“I have yet to get an answer from ICE why we’re listed as limited cooperation,” Whittle said. “But again, Columbia County is not a sanctuary county and our commissioners felt compelled to make a (proclamation) to make sure that the people in Columbia County that live here understand that no such thing exists here.”
Duncan added that he wanted to assure the citizens of Columbia County that the county does comply with the law.
“We tend to go overboard, we more than comply,” Duncan said. “That’s just the Columbia County way. The residents should know that Columbia County is all about safety, all about public safety.”
Library guidelines
The commissioners also approved guidelines for determining the placement of books in the libraries. County Manager Scott Johnson told commissioners that members of the library board approached county administration about the placement of books in the library. So the county started looking into the issue and felt that some guidelines were needed.
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“One of the things I think that we needed some guidance on was what books should go into what section.” Johnson said. “…it’s not clearly outlined anywhere. So, through a little bit of work, we were able to come up with what we’re calling guidelines for determining book placement in the library.”
Johnson said he met with the head librarian to go over the guidelines, which he believes will satisfy the library board. He reiterated that the county is not looking to censure books.
“This is not to censure books in the library, this is not to remove books from the library,” Johnson said. “These are simply guidelines to say where books will be placed according to age level, reading level, those sort of things.”
The guidelines break readers down into five age groups and are as follows:
“Easy/Children (ages 0-8)
Picture books are chiefly illustrations; basic concepts; designed for parents to read to child; usually oversized. Easy books are illustrated but less so than picture books; language is basic and generally controlled vocabulary; designed for children to start reading on their own. Usually under 100 pages. No profanity; No violence; No content of a sexual nature.
Juvenile (ages 8-11)
More words, fewer pictures; usually chapter books. New vocabulary introduced. Concepts more advanced. Some books contain more complex concepts and vocabulary, and higher page count. Rare uses of mild profanity, if any. Profanity used only in humorous context. Light action, minimal violence; Story intensity and action or violence should not be too scary, the level of a G-rated movie; Stories may be very action-oriented or include emotionally intense moments. No content of a sexual nature.
Middle Ground (ages 11-14)
Reading level appropriate for grades 6-8. Protagonists are usually age 12-15 years old. School Library Journal review lists with grade range of 5-10. Contain themes appealing specifically to middle schoolers, such as friendships, believing in yourself, and fun-filled adventure. Scarce or no swearing; Some humor may be on the slightly naughty and gross side, with mild potty humor. Light, non-graphic violence; Violence level similar to Star Wars movie; Scare factor similar to a Harry Potter movie. No content of a sexual nature other than age-appropriate instances, such as a brief kiss on the lips and/or hand-holding; No simulated sex acts; No partial or full nudity.
Teen (ages 14-18)
Characters are usually teenagers. Subjects dealing with adolescent issues. Humor and reading level more complex. Usually feature characters ages 12-18. Contain themes appealing to high schoolers, such as self-discovery, finding your voice, bullying, acceptance, and coming of age. Light, if any, instances of swearing; Minimal questionable language. Rarely graphic violence, as opposed to vivid descriptions; Some violence and blood, with an action/violence level similar to a PG-13 movie. Sexuality may be alluded to or referenced but not depicted or described in explicit detail, and pursuant to GA Code O.C.G.A 16-12-80 described below; May have some non-sexual, partial
nudity or sexual content but nothing portrayed graphically; Minimal sexual content similar to a PG-13 movie.
Adult (ages 18+)
Written with adult readership in mind. Usually includes characters 20+, however, characters may be any age. Themes often contain mature content. No limitations.
Sexually Explicit Content For the purpose of shelving and labeling books in a manner that recognizes age-appropriateness, the Columbia County Board of Commissioners has determined that books containing sexually explicit content are suitable for adults (ages 18+) and should not be cataloged or shelved in any location targeted to or labeled for minors (ages 17 and below).”
The county stated that sexually explicit content could include, but would not be limited to the following: “acts of sexual intercourse, heterosexual or homosexual, normal or perverted, actual or simulated; acts of masturbation; acts involving excretory functions or lewd exhibition of the genitals; acts of bestiality or the fondling of sex organs of animals; or sexual acts of flagellation, torture, or other violence indicated a sadomasochistic sexual relationship.”
The Columbia County Library Board meets monthly and is next scheduled to meet on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 11:30 a.m.
