Your child can access pornographic materials through their public school’s library.

Let that fact sink in. Your child can access pornographic materials through their public school’s library.

That is the reality for too many parents across the state of Texas. When an advocate attempted to read a passage from Sarah J. Maas, a popular writer of the “romantasy” genre, before the State Board of Education, certain members of the Board objected. They accused the advocate of attempting to expose the minors in the room to inappropriate material. The fact that this material would be available to these students in their school’s library was an irony apparently lost on these members.

While the opposition to reasonable library collection standards claim that these books are vital artistic expressions that speak to varied experiences, those on the SBOE were right to point out that the language in these books truly shocks the conscience. Only a few minutes of research turned up the following books in Texas public schools:

  • “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl”- obscene language and sexual acts, Lovejoy ISD and Midland ISD.
  • “Tricks” – Sexual activity, including prostitution, and drug use. Midland ISD
  • Books by Colleen Hoover, which are marketed as Young Adult but contain graphic sex scenes. Georgetown ISD.
  • “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas, which contain graphic sex scenes. Part of a genre sometimes called “romantasy” or “fairy smut”.

Instead of arguing that these books do not contain obscene material, many schools instead engage in campaigns of secrecy and obstruction. Lovejoy ISD demanded almost $3,000 for a list of library books in the district before backpedaling. One would think that an institution obsessed with record keeping would have this on hand already, but apparently that was not the case.

Lovejoy ISD also denied possessing records of whom sat on the 2024 book reconsideration committee to a public information requestor. Finally, after a book review involving a district administrator and librarian concluded that four books available in the district were vulgar, the district declined to remove them.

The processes in place to secure book reviews and reconsideration are useless if school districts are unwilling to protect children by removing harmful materials.

Senate Bill 13 creates a framework that cuts through the excuses and lack of accountability from public school districts.

SB 13 gives parents transparency and control over what materials their child has access to. Libraries must make a written record of library materials available to parents and parents may access records of the materials their child checks out. Parents may also submit to the library a list of materials they do not wish their child to have access to.

SB 13 also keeps the worst literary offenders off of library shelves by requiring that libraries adopt standards that protect children from inappropriate content conforming to the Federal Communication Commission standards. If material is inappropriate for broadcast on television and radio, it should not be available in school libraries.

Finally, SB 13 promotes local control and accountability with the creation of Local School Library Advisory Councils. Modeled after local school health advisory councils, school boards will appoint parents, educators, and community members to review challenged materials to the council. Instead of hiding behind lengthy processes and excuses, these councils will give parents a voice in what materials are in school libraries. If these councils fail to remove obscene books, voters will know that the board failed to appoint responsible stewards.

The controversy over inappropriate books in school libraries has gone on for far too long. School districts have been empowered to remove harmful materials, but too many have shirked their responsibility. It’s time to pass SB 13 and put the power in the hands of parents.