After the Fort Worth Independent School District removed over 100 books for further review over concerns of inappropriate content, the district is now planning to return some books back to the library shelves.
Following months of parental outrage over sexually-explicit materials in student libraries, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 900 by State Rep. Jared Patterson (R–Frisco). HB 900 prohibits school libraries from housing materials that are sexually explicit, vulgar, or educationally unsuitable. It also sets up state standards for keeping inappropriate sexual content out of all school libraries and classrooms.
As reported by The Dallas Express, Tarrant County Citizens Defending Freedom had found 76 different books to be sexually explicit and violent. More than 500 copies of the books were available in Fort Worth ISD libraries. In response, TCCDF emailed Fort Worth ISD officials who closed the libraries for review.
Before the 2023-2024 school year, Fort Worth ISD closed its libraries to ensure all materials contained within were suitable for student consumption. After district officials reviewed books for sexually explicit and violent material, the district removed 118 books for further review to ensure they were “developmentally appropriate.”
However, it was recently confirmed by Fort Worth ISD spokesperson Jessica Becerra that “the book review process was completed, and books are in the process of being returned to appropriate campuses based on the decisions made regarding age/grade level appropriateness.”
She added that the return process would be completed in the next couple of weeks.
The Dallas Express reported that some of the books removed from Fort Worth ISD libraries included “Wait What? A Comic Book Guide to Relationships, Bodies, and Growing Up” by Heather Corinna, “Gender Queer: A Memoir” by Maia Kobabe, and “Flamer” by Mike Curato.
It is unclear which books will be put back on the shelves and open for student consumption.
Brady Gray, president of Texas Family Project, told Texas Scorecard, “Fort Worth ISD is among four school districts in the nation who have lost 10%+ of their enrollment since 2019.”
“Citizens and parents in Fort Worth should demand more from the school’s leadership, and lawmakers in Austin should consider those students trapped in a failing school that prioritizes woke indoctrination over student success,” said Gray.
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