BELLEVILLE, Wis. -- The Belleville School Board decided Monday night to keep a book that's required reading for high school freshmen in the curriculum despite a parent's complaint.

All seven members of the board decided the novel "Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes" by Chris Crutcher will continue to be required reading for ninth-grade students at Belleville High School.

Several months ago, parent Lori Beil complained that the book was "pornography" and its language was "pervasively vulgar."

The novel was published in 1993, and it has been read by ninth-grade students at Belleville High School for eight years.

The book deals topics of abortion, sexuality and the power of religion.

"The premise of the book is really built around this idea of bullying and that the main character, Sarah, is subject to a lot of rejection," said Randy Freese, Belleville School District superintendent.

On Monday night, Beil voiced her concerns before the Belleville School Board in a pre-recorded message.

"I believe it would be better for the school to choose books without sex and profanity, that don't bash someone's religion. There are more noble and aspiring choices. Why am I doing this? I'm motivated by love. Love for my son, love for God and love for you, the people of my town," Beil said in her message.

Beil said a book that discusses abortion and bashes religion has no place as required reading.

"This book normalizes what God calls sin. Without Christ, sin leads people to hell," Beil said.

Beil said that simply opting for her son to complete an alternate assignment isn't a fair compromise.

"No child should need to leave a classroom because a book has too much offensive content when there are so many excellent books to choose from," Beil said.

Most of the parents and students who turned out, many wearing green stickers in support of the book, said that Sarah's story has done exactly what it should.

"I think our teens today face so many issues that a lot of us adults cannot even wrap our heads around. I think it's really important that they're exposed," said parent Teresa McMahan.

"The book 'Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes,' has not only been a high-quality read but has sent positive messages to me, and I would say, without hesitation, to most of my class," said Taylor Forman, a Belleville High School freshman.

A few other people challenged the book's use in the classroom along similar terms to Beil's argument.

After thoroughly reviewing the book, school district staff supported its use to the school board.

"The author does a nice job of trying to present a balanced view on a variety of issues, and again, I think that is the intent of literature, to get people to think about sides, to think in a different way," said Freese.

Beil said that she doesn't want the book taken out of school. She said it could still be available in the library but she just doesn't believe it should be required reading.

The superintendent said this is the first time in his 12 years someone has contested a book in the curriculum.