Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick proposes penalties for schools that keep “vulgar” books on library shelves
Patrick says districts could lose a letter grade and state funding if they keep books he calls obscene on library shelves.
- On Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick vowed to pass legislation punishing school districts that do not remove "obscene" books by lowering their state-mandated A-F academic accountability ratings.
- Republican-Backed Senate Bill 13, which passed last year, already allows school boards to remove books based on parental complaints; however, Patrick claims 80% of districts are not complying with the law.
- Conservative activist Bonnie Wallace identified a list of more than 2,000 books she deemed inappropriate, while Patrick cited data that more than 90% of parents would not want their children accessing such materials.
- Texas Library Association Executive Director Shirley Robinson argued that districts already have extensive review processes mandated by SB13 and that her organization will continue to support students' freedom to explore the world through reading.
- Critics argue that many targeted books explore LGBTQ+ and race issues rather than obscenity, warning the proposed legislation could empower the state to seize control of local districts by manipulating their academic performance ratings.
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12 Articles
Lt. Gov Dan Patrick says Texas is 'coming for the books' in public school libraries
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, during a Wednesday press conference, threatened to take over public school districts that don’t remove “obscene books” from their library shelves. Specifically, the Republican culture warrior vowed to pass legislation that would knock an entire letter grade from school districts’ A-F academic accountability ratings if they refuse to remove “over 2,000 […] The post Lt. Gov Dan Patrick says Texas is ‘coming for the books’ in …
Patrick Warns Schools: Remove Explicit Books or Lose a Letter Grade
Patrick hinted at possible legislation to help enforce the removal of explicit books from school library shelves next session. The post Patrick Warns Schools: Remove Explicit Books or Lose a Letter Grade appeared first on Texas Scorecard.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick proposes penalties for schools that keep “vulgar” books on library shelves
“We’re coming for the books,” the lieutenant governor said in announcing plans to lower the performance rating of Texas schools that violate a recent law targeting obscene titles in school libraries.
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