Harry Potter still welcome in Dallas
DALLAS, Ore. (AP) - Students here can keep hearing about the exploits of Harry Potter and his magical crew, the Dallas School Board decided Monday.
The board voted 3-1 to uphold a review committee's decision to allow the popular books to continue being read aloud to children.
The use of the book was challenged by a group of parents concerned about the books' use of violence and deception, fearing some kids would misinterpret the message.
The challenge was focused on the first book in the series, ``Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.'' Two other books have since been published.
Michelle Cox, one of the parents challenging the book, said she was disappointed.
``Unfortunately, the board's main concern seemed to be with what the teachers thought instead of what parents concerns were for their children,'' she said.
In a district survey of teachers, most favored unrestricted use of the book, said board member Susan Humphrey.
Cox said next year her children will be home-schooled, because of her concerns about a lack of parental oversight of materials.
The Harry Potter books, written by British author J.K. Rowling, feature an 11-year-old orphan who attends Hogwarts, a boarding school for wizards. Potter, the son of two powerful wizards, learns he has magical powers and attempts to use them to avenge his parents' deaths. | 
