Idaho Student Protests Book Ban with 'The Handmaid's Tale' Gesture at Graduation

In a bold act of protest, Idaho high school student Annabelle Jenkins handed West Ada Superintendent Derek Bub a graphic novel adaptation of "The Handmaid's Tale" during the Idaho Fine Arts Academy commencement on May 23. Bub refused to accept the book, one of 10 titles the West Ada School District banned in December, according to Idaho EdNews.

Jenkins' defiant moment, captured in a TikTok video that has since gone viral, was a reaction to the district's book ban. "I realized I did not want to shake the superintendent's hand and receive my diploma like nothing was wrong," Jenkins told KTVB. Wearing her maroon cap and gown, she handed Bub the book, but he crossed his arms and refused to take it, prompting her to place it at his feet before walking off the stage.

Annabelle Jenkins gave West Ada Superintendent Derek Bub a graphic novel adaptation of 'The Handmaid's Tale' during the Idaho Fine Arts Academy commencement on May 23

Her protest was motivated by frustration over the lack of student input in the book ban decision. "I don't like to be the center of attention," Jenkins said. "When I do things, I want it to be very purposeful. This was deeply important to me."

Despite the district's statement that Jenkins' gesture "unfortunately overshadowed the celebratory occasion," Jenkins felt her action was appropriate and impactful. "My goal was never to disrupt the ceremony. It was my moment, and it was important to me to do."

Wearing a maroon cap and gown, Jenkins walked across the stage shaking the hands of every person before Bub, then took a copy of the book out when she approached him

The controversy comes amidst new legislation signed by Republican Governor Brad Little in April, requiring school and public libraries to move material deemed "harmful to minors" to an adults-only section or face lawsuits. The law uses Idaho's current definition of "obscene materials," which controversially includes any act of homosexuality.

The West Ada School District removed 10 books, including "The Handmaid's Tale," based on ratings from BookLooks.org, a website by concerned parents in Brevard County, Florida. Other banned books include "A Stolen Life" by Jaycee Dugard, "Water for Elephants" by Sarah Gruen, and works by Sarah J. Maas and Rupi Kaur. The review committee, which excluded librarians who declined to participate, consisted of district officials and educators.

Jenkins said she her protest came out of frustration over the book ban and not feeling like students had a say in the matter