In response to many Texas parents’ complaints about inappropriate material in school libraries, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) released updated guidelines on procuring, reviewing and banning books.

The model, which can be found on the TEA website, is designed to help education agencies that have reached out to them for guidance after experiencing challenges regarding library materials.

The new policy provides insight into how parents and trustees can become more involved in the book selection process.

According to the new policy, it is the responsibility of the district-level library supervisor, or similar position, to work with library staff and administration on implementing the new guidelines.

To ensure parental engagement, the TEA suggests the district make the book selection process available to parents to review and list all library materials available on the district’s website.

The TEA outlines several standards for library materials.
Each item selected should support and enrich the curriculum and students’ personal interests and learning. Materials should also meet high standards in literary, artistic and aesthetic quality.

Books and other materials should be appropriate for the subject area and for the age, intellectual development and ability level of the students for whom the materials are selected.

Non-fiction resources should incorporate accurate and authentic factual content from authoritative sources and materials should earn favorable reviews in “standard review sources” and examine materials by professional personnel.

Lastly, the cost of new materials should be balanced with the needs of the campus or district.

When acquiring new library material, the TEA suggests the district-level librarian submit a list of material not previously approved to the superintendent for inclusion in a board agenda, adding that the board should have access to the list 30 days before action is taken to review the proposed additions.

After the review period, the board is to vote on the materials’ inclusion in school libraries.

A parent or district resident may challenge library material if they feel it is inappropriate, which should be resolved through a telephone conference with the complainant, librarian, campus administrator or district-level library supervisor.

The policy also suggests a committee be formed when a parent files a “request for reconsideration” if they feel the material is inappropriate.

The new policy reminds school districts that distributing “harmful materials” is illegal in Texas, but also that the Supreme Court decision in Board of Education v. Pico prevents library materials from being removed “because of the ideas expressed therein.”

Harmful materials in the state are defined as “material whose dominant theme is taken as a whole: (1) appeals to the prurient interest of a minor in sex, nudity or excretion (2) is patently offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community as a whole with respect to what is suitable for minors; and (3) is utterly without redeeming social value for minors.”

Although the policy was shared with every school district in the state, districts can choose whether it incorporates them.

Wylie ISD Executive Director of Communications April Cunningham said the distinct is still reviewing the new policy.

“As Wylie ISD only recently received this information from the TEA, we are still evaluating the proposed local policy,” Cunningham said. “We are also reviewing our processes and procedures in relation to TEA’s suggested local policy.”

Cunningham said the district will continue to follow board policy for instructional resource review and address specific concerns individually.

“Every Wylie ISD parent has the opportunity to review available books and let their campus know if they believe there is material not suitable for their child,” Cunningham said. “Our district will always respect and support a parent’s right to choose what books or material their child may read.”

Cunningham said the district librarians are tasked with finding books that are not only appropriate for the reading and maturity levels of students but also meet their needs and interests.

“Wylie ISD librarians continue to foster a love of learning and reading by building and offering a well-rounded collection of material,” Cunningham said. “Every library’s goal is to provide students with free-choice reading material, technology opportunities, digital research and research skills.”

The district’s current policy requires complaints to be resolved informally by the campus or the district. However, the complainant may ask for a formal reconsideration of an instructional resource, which will be reviewed by a Literature Review Committee.

Additionally, Cunningham said parents can access the district’s catalog of books available at each campus through gofollett.com.

Another feature the district offers is that the mobile app allows parents to view their child’s current check-out library books.

“It’s a feature many families utilize and appreciate,” Cunningham said. “It is another way the district keeps parents informed.”