The Texas Education Agency has released a new set of guidelines that suggest new protocols involving parent and trustee involvement in the evaluation of what books are appropriate for public school libraries. 

“On November 10, 2021, Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to address statewide standards to prevent the presence of obscene content in Texas public school libraries,” said Deputy Commissioner of Governance & Accountability Jeff Cottrill in a statement on the TEA’s website. “In response, TEA is providing a model local board policy to assist LEAs.”

The content of books in public schools has become an increasingly popular discussion, and Frisco ISD has also seen an uptick in complaints lodged against certain books. 

“While the District has seen an increase in the number of questions and concerns expressed about books in recent months, only one book has been removed from two middle school libraries as a result of a formal challenge,” FISD’s assistant communications director Meghan Cone said. “Most questions and concerns from parents have been addressed through conversation, and few formal objections have been made.”

FISD’s current process to address content complaints is as follows:

Parents who have concerns about library resources or other instructional materials should first contact the campus librarian or school administrator. Often initial conversations are enough to diffuse concerns, but sometimes a formal objection is made. A reconsideration committee will then be appointed to review the challenged resource. According to Frisco ISD Board Policy EF (LOCAL), “professional staff shall ensure that the resources:

1. Support and are consistent with the general educational goals of the state and District and the aims and objectives of individual schools and specific courses consistent with the District and campus improvement plans.
2. Meet high standards for artistic quality and/or literary style, authenticity, educational significance, factual content, physical format, presentation, readability, and technical quality.
3. Are appropriate for the subject and for the age, ability level, learning styles, and social and emotional development of the students for whom they are selected.
4. Are designed to help students gain awareness of our pluralistic society.
5. Are designed to provide information that will motivate students to examine their own attitudes and behavior, to understand their duties, responsibilities, rights, and privileges as citizens participating in our society; and to make informed choices in their daily lives.”

Upon receipt of the reconsideration form, the District shall provide a decision in writing to the complainant within 30 District business days of receiving the objection.