Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said parents are “rightfully angry” about some of the content found in public school libraries.
In a letter to the head of the Texas Association of School Boards, Abbott claimed “a growing number of parents of Texas students are becoming increasingly alarmed about some of the books and other content found in public school libraries that are extremely inappropriate in the public education system.”
He added, “The most flagrant examples include clearly pornographic images and substance that have no place in the Texas public education system.”
Abbott argued parents “have the right to shield their children from obscene content used in schools their children attend. They are right that Texas public schools should not provide or promote pornographic or obscene material to students.”
He told the executive director the “organization’s members have an obligation to determine the extent to which such materials exist or are used in our schools and to remove any such content.”
The governor continued, “You must also ensure transparency about the materials being taught in the classroom and offered in school libraries.”
The organization issued a response to Abbott’s letter.
“We are confused, though, as to why this letter was sent to the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), which has no regulatory authority over school districts and does not set the standards for instructional materials, including library books,” the organization explained.
After @GovAbbott sent a letter to TASB regarding school books, TASB has already shared a response:
— William Joy (@WilliamJoy) November 1, 2021
“We are confused as to why this letter was sent to TASB which has no regulatory authority over school districts and does not set the standards for instructional materials”
(@wfaa) https://t.co/iC59rJ7n60 pic.twitter.com/ljvp2ZkAFZ
The statement noted the role of a school board “primarily includes establishing a strategic plan for the district, adopting policies in public meetings, approving the district’s budget, and selecting and evaluating a superintendent.”
It also said in most school districts, “The review and selection of individual library materials traditionally has been an administrative responsibility managed by professional district staff.”
Last week, a Texas Republican lawmaker launched an investigation into books in public school libraries and classrooms that “may make students feel discomfort.”