The Keller Independent School District Board of Trustees adopted policies last week that set new standards for how books and other instructional materials are chosen for schools, including putting books up for 30 days of public review before they are purchased by libraries and removing challenged materials from shelves while they are being reviewed.
“All of the books included in Tuesday’s email have been included on Keller ISD’s Book Challenge list over the past year. Books that meet the new guidelines will be returned to the libraries as soon as it is confirmed they comply with the new policy,” the statement said.
The group may also decide to limit use of the materials to particular grade levels or students who get parental permission.
The new library and educational materials policies were approved unanimously by the board on August 8. The decision came as discussions over school library books and curriculum have become key issues across the country.
“We are very pleased that our new unwoke school board has made these changes,” one speaker said during the public comment portion of the August 8 Keller school board meeting. “This is just the beginning, I hope.”
“The whole situation reflects trends across the country toward educational censorship, a recipe for anodyne schools and lowest-common-denominator education. This directive from Keller ISD ought to be repealed immediately, Friedman said.
Wednesday is the first day back to school for the district.