SAN MARCOS CISD
The San Marcos CISD Board of Trustees approved a new policy in regard to the process for challenging library materials at a recent meeting, after months of public comment requesting removal of certain books.
During the public forum portion of the March 23 meeting, Susie Carter said there are books in the library that have content that is not suitable for children.
“Books that contain profane, indecent or sexually explicit content are illegal in Texas public schools,” Carter said. “Yet you and your superintendent cling to these pornographic books.”
Carter read a passage from “Nowhere Girls,” which talked about drugs and sexual acts using explicit language.
“Is this the kind of uplifting literature that you all believe you should be buying with people’s tax money?” Carter said. “Do you want your children and grandchildren to read about stuff like this?”
Texas law allows parents, employees, and residents to challenge school library materials by submitting a form explaining how items violate state library standards, according to board documents. Districts must adhere to minimum state requirements but can go beyond it. The district’s School Library Advisory Council (SLAC), which was appointed by the board, is seeking to gather more comprehensive information from individuals submitting challenges.
The board documents state that the updated form includes several new sections, such as whether the individual has read the material in full, what specifically prompted the challenge and what concerns they have about the content. The revised form also requests a broader analysis of the material’s merit, asks for additional resources or perspectives and invites challengers to suggest a specific course of action, such as removal or restricted access.
According to board documents, once a challenge is submitted, the district is required to forward it to the local school library advisory council within five days. The SLAC then has up to 90 days to review the material and make a recommendation. If necessary, individuals may appeal the district’s decision to the board of trustees.
The motion was approved unanimously.
