OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Blue Valley School Board members voted 6-1 Monday to keep the Pulitzer Prize-winning book "Beloved" in its curriculum.

KMBC's Kris Ketz reported that Toni Morrison's novel about slavery and Civil War life is powerful and graphic, but some parents felt it was highly inappropriate for a high school audience.

"But I can assure you that the residents of Blue Valley do not unanimously approve this type of material," a parent said.

Ketz said that the material is violent at times, sexual and even includes references to bestiality.

"Let's develop a curriculum that teaches students to engage in safe interspecies sexuality," a patron suggested.

One parent challenged the book in May, setting in motion a process by which the book is reviewed. In this particular case, it is the second time it has been reviewed.

"It is something that we talk about in our home -- great works of literature, and I think it's powerful text that we should keep in our curriculum," said one teacher, who has taught "Beloved" in her senior advanced class.

Former high school students who read the book spoke as well, saying the book taught them critical thinking skills.

Ketz reported that board members voted on a recommendation to keep the book, paying particular attention to whether current board policy had been followed and whether the book's content fit the current curriculum. After the vote to keep the book, one board member said that this isn't the first time a controversial book has been before the board and it will not be the last.