School Boards and Parents to Have More Control Over School Library Books
AUSTIN — School board trustees and parents could pull books from school library shelves if they deem them profane or indecent under legislation headed to Gov. Greg Abbott.
Changes to the Book Selection Process
Librarians, who typically have the last word on curating the book collections, would need to seek the school board’s approval before buying books under Senate Bill 13, by Sen. Angela Paxton, R-McKinney.
Districts could appoint advisory councils composed of parents, educators and community members to review and advise trustees on new purchases as well as books challenged by members of the community.
Role of Advisory Councils
The advisory councils would play a crucial role in reviewing and advising trustees on new book purchases, as well as books challenged by members of the community. This would ensure that the books available in school libraries are suitable for students and align with the values of the community.
Passage of the Bill
The bill passed along party lines in both the Texas House and the Senate. Republicans argued it would give local parents more control over the reading material their children have access to while in school. Democrats said it would risk students’ access to classic literature and other beneficial materials.
Breaking News
Debate Over the Bill
House members fought to keep challenged books in the library while the trustees investigated complaints, but the Senate version requiring that the text be pulled won out — although lawmakers stipulated that the reviews must be resolved within 90 days.
The debate over the bill highlights the ongoing tension between giving parents more control over their children’s education and ensuring that students have access to a wide range of literary materials. While some argue that the bill is necessary to protect children from explicit content, others believe it could lead to censorship and limit students’ exposure to diverse perspectives and ideas.
Impact on Students and Libraries
The new legislation could have significant implications for students and libraries in Texas. On one hand, it could lead to a more conservative approach to book selection, with some books being removed from library shelves due to their content. On the other hand, it could also lead to a more diverse range of books being made available, as parents and community members become more involved in the book selection process.
Ultimately, the impact of the bill will depend on how it is implemented and enforced. If done thoughtfully and with consideration for the diverse needs and values of the community, it could lead to a more inclusive and effective approach to book selection. However, if it is used to impose censorship or limit access to certain types of books, it could have negative consequences for students and libraries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the new legislation headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk has the potential to significantly impact the way books are selected and made available in Texas school libraries. While it is intended to give parents more control over their children’s education, it also raises concerns about censorship and access to diverse literary materials. As the bill is implemented and enforced, it will be important to monitor its impact and ensure that it is used to promote a love of reading and learning, rather than to limit access to certain types of books.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Senate Bill 13?
A: Senate Bill 13 is a piece of legislation that would give school board trustees and parents more control over the books available in school libraries. It would require librarians to seek approval from the school board before purchasing new books and would allow parents and community members to challenge books they deem profane or indecent.
