Friday, March 29, 2024

GISD to review books for possible removal from schools

Posted

The Granbury Independent School District has confirmed that a committee will review any books in the district’s schools “that include controversial topics currently under investigation by the state and legislature.”

In an email to the Hood County News, GISD Communications Director Jeff Meador stated: “School library books have been under heavy scrutiny over the past several months as investigations are ongoing by the Texas House General Investigating Committee chaired by State Rep. Matt Krause as well as the Texas Education Agency as directed by Governor Greg Abbott.”

Meador said that “like every school district in the state,” the GISD is currently reviewing all books in the district’s schools to determine their educational value and age appropriateness.

Krause is a Republican who represents House District 93, which includes parts of Fort Worth and Arlington. Instead of seeking a sixth term, he is running in the March 1 Republican primary for Tarrant County district attorney.

Last October, Krause launched an investigation into Texas school boards and asked whether school classrooms or libraries contained certain books on subjects of race and sexuality. He created a list containing about 850 titles, including best sellers and books whose authors received Pulitzer Prizes and other literary awards.

The Texas State Teachers Association denounced the effort to remove the books.

Meador stated, “While we acknowledge some parents and community members will not agree with the potential removal of any book, we understand the conservative climate of our community and that a large majority recognizes that several social and cultural topics are best left to parents and families to discuss with their children.”

In another email to the HCN, Meador stated that the library book review committee “will be similar to the District Advisory Council and the Health Advisory council.” He said that members will be selected by GISD administration in cooperation with the Board of Trustees.

Meador said that parents and members of the community who are interested in serving or providing input to the committee may send an email to GISD administration.

He provided these relevant links:

11/10/2021 – Governor Abbott Directs TEA To Investigate Criminal Activity Involving Pornography In Texas Public Schools

https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-directs-tea-to-investigate-criminal-activity-involving-pornography-in-texas-public-schools 

11/8/2021 - Governor Abbott Directs TEA, TSLAC, SBOE To Shield Children From Pornography, Inappropriate Content In Texas Public Schools

https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-directs-tea-tslac-sboe-to-shield-children-from-pornography-inappropriate-content-in-texas-public-schools 

11/1/2021 - Governor Abbott Calls On Texas Association of School Boards To Shield Children From Pornography, Inappropriate Content In Texas Public Schools

https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-calls-on-texas-association-of-school-boards-to-shield-children-from-pornography-inappropriate-content-in-texas-public-schools