In a nutshell
Under the district’s previous policy, community members had to file a formal challenge requesting instructional materials be reconsidered. The reconsideration committee would read and review the book before the committee makes a determination, trustee David Hamilton, chair of the policy committee, said at FBISD’s Aug. 12 workshop board meeting.
With the revised policy, Superintendent Marc Smith or someone designated by Smith, will determine if a book violates law and should be removed from campus shelves. This move also dissolves the reconsideration committee; however, Smith is able to convene an internal committee to discuss book determinations, according to the policy.
Offering input
More than 10 speakers came to speak about the item during the public comment portion of the meeting requesting trustees oppose the policy revision. Some said they believed FBISD's policy went beyond guidance outlined in House Bill 900, a bill passed in the 2023 Legislature that prohibits schools from purchasing or displaying books that are “sexually explicit" or "educationally unsuitable," according to the bill text.
What they’re saying
The policy passed with a 5-2 vote, with trustees Angie Hanan and Shirley Rose-Gilliam voting against, citing concerns trustees could pressure Smith to remove books as well as lack of “guardrails” in the policy.
However, board President Kristin Tassin and others said they trusted district librarians and Smith to make decisions on what books should be allowed.
“School libraries are not public libraries,” Tassin said, addressing a public comment from earlier in the evening. “School libraries have always been regulated by the educational professionals in charge: the librarians, the administration, the superintendent.”
Zooming out
Out of the 15 school districts Community Impact covers across the Greater Houston area, seven have recorded book removals over the past two school years, with Conroe ISD having the most books removals at 160 titles, Community Impact reported. FBISD has removed 12 books between 2020-24, with 18 books still pending committee or district consideration, according to FBISD's website.
What else
When making book decisions in the future, Smith said he will lean on the expertise of librarians and collect feedback from others through the process.
“I have full faith and confidence in [librarians] and their ability to be able to provide our students what they need and to protect our students from what they don’t need,” he said.
