Parents tell Keller school board they’re upset ‘pornographic’ books still in libraries
(3).JPG "Some Keller parents have complained that the school board is not acting to remove what they consider “pornographic” books.")
Parents slammed Keller school board members over their lack of action to remove books they view as pornographic and sexually explicit from campus libraries.
During Monday’s meeting, parents said school board members weren’t listening to their concerns and that they would make their feelings known at the ballot box on May 7. Place 1, Place 2 and Place 3 are on the ballot.
Paul Alvarado, a parent who spoke during the meeting, said he and others are fed up that “pornographic” books are still in campus libraries.
“If a parent wants to present pornographic titles to a child, they can order them from Amazon,” he said. “Why are you here? Are you looking for a title or to be an effective leader?”
Discussion of removing books was not on the meeting agenda, and the parents spoke during the public comment period.
The parents began protesting the books in October by searching the online library catalogs and submitted a list of 33 books. Ten titles were removed from campus circulation, according to the district’s website, and several are pending review, including The Bible and Anne Frank’s Diary (The Graphic Adaption) adapted by Ari Folman and illustrated by David Polonsky. “Gender Queer,” by Maia Kobabe, was removed in October.
The Keller school district established a book challenge committee to review titles facing challenges from parents and community members. The district also allows parents to restrict their child’s access to the books.
The Star-Telegram called and emailed Keller school district spokesperson Shellie Johnson for an explanation of the committee and who is selected to serve, but did not receive a response.
Board president Ruthie Keyes did not respond to an email asking how the board plans to address the parents.
The parents said they will keep pressing trustees on removing books.
Vanessa Hector accused the trustees of being part of a “perverse and crooked agenda.”
“”I’m speaking out today to hold you guys accountable for what you do,” she said. “By not speaking up and serving the interests of concerned parents, your silence is making you part of said agendas.”
But other parents said students struggling with their emotions and identity who need to read the books could be harmed if they’re removed.
Gabrielle Gordon said she supports public education and the professionals who are educating the students.
‘I understand everyone’s concerns tonight,” Gordon said. “I think there are ways we can come up with where we don’t have to ban books. ... I don’t feel it’s appropriate that a few can ban books for the entire student population.”
This story was originally published March 31, 2022 at 2:35 PM.