State Senator Charles Perry is working with the Lubbock Independent School District (LISD) to ensure that books with inappropriate content are removed from school libraries. In June, Perry expressed concerns about the presence of “obscene, vulgar, and derogatory” books in LISD libraries, and threatened to take the issue to the Legislature if the district did not address the problem.
Collaboration and Progress
However, after meeting with school officials in July, Perry reported that the district is taking steps to review and remove inappropriate books. “Everybody’s on the same page,” Perry said. “They get it, and they’re going to find a way to do it.” LISD Board President Nancy Sharp confirmed that the district is working to address the issue, stating that they will have further conversations about the books in August.
The issue of book review and removal is a complex one, with the district navigating the requirements of Senate Bill 13, which mandates that school systems scrutinize library materials and provide parents with greater oversight of what their children can check out. LISD has established a School Library Advisory Committee (SLAC) to review books and make recommendations for removal.
Parental Rights and Oversight
Parents have been actively involved in the process, with some speaking out at school board meetings about their concerns over the content of certain books. The district has implemented measures to notify parents when their child checks out a book, and parents can also submit a list of books or authors they do not want their child to read. If a book is challenged, it is immediately pulled from the shelves until the SLAC can review it and make a recommendation.
Perry has expressed his willingness to work with the district to find a solution, including exploring the use of an “acceptable rating” service to help identify inappropriate books. However, he acknowledged that this approach raises free-speech concerns and may not be feasible.
Original reporting: Lubbock Lights — read the source article.
