The debate, however, goes far beyond Munsch's little book and the implications reach farther than the provincial boundaries of Ontario, where the issue arose in March 1990. The board responsible for her school district supported her assessment by restricting the book's use in those grades except when children had written permission from a parent. Some parents have reacted in turn by insisting the book be reinstated for use in all grades. Education falls under provincial jurisdiction, and the Ontario Ministry of Education would therefore seem the ultimate authority in matters such as defining appropriate reading material for use in Ontario schools. Decisions concerning other reading materials are left to the discretion of the individual school board.
Problems arise because most school boards have no clear policy of their own.
As illustrated by the kerfuffle over Giant, many boards are reflexive as opposed to selective in their review processes. As a result, there is increased potential for a book, once purchased, to be deemed unsuitable for the intended readership. It can be subsequently placed on restricted use or pulled from the collection altogether. Either move is an expensive one for an already financially strapped education system. Books are often purchased solely on the recommendation of journal reviews or based on information in publishers' catalogues.