Mansfield school board moves forward with policy to restrict library books
Dozens of students, teachers, parents and librarians pleaded with Mansfield school board members Tuesday to reject a policy that would restrict library materials with gender fluidity themes, stating they are harmful and discriminatory.
But the board voted 5-1 to move forward with the policy after its first reading. Warren Davis voted no and Desiree Thomas was absent. The board must vote again to adopt the policy.
That date has not been set for that vote because board members asked for clarification on several issues, including the legality of the policy. Concerns were also raised about the time frame for ordering books and materials. Board members would approve library materials under the new policy.
The overwhelming majority of people who spoke during the meeting were against the policy, calling it discriminatory and harmful to transgender and LGBTQ students.
A student said she is gender fluid and on the LGBTQ spectrum. She described how she grew depressed and contemplated suicide, but library books with gender fluid characters helped boost her self-esteem.
“I found that olive branch that was extended to children. Now, I mourn the future generation’s opportunity to learn,” she said. “This is not about sex, not about porn, not about pedophilia. You’re trying to erase LGBTQ from your community.”
Megan Fanning, a parent in school district, said the policy is not about kids, it’s about politics.
“This book policy is the epitome of discrimination,” she said.
Amy Thooms, a school librarian, urged the board to vote against the policy.
“Our libraries are the cornerstone of our community. We have a responsibility to provide information for a wide variety of users,” she said.
The proposed policy would restrict access for everyone’s children, she said.
After over two hours of comments, board members discussed policies on cell phone use and school safety, which were included in the vote on the library materials.
Board members raised several questions.
Michelle Newsom asked why the extra step was needed for the board to approve books.
Others said the current policy is too vague and that librarians had asked for clarification.
Some in the audience spoke in support of the proposed guidelines.
Sheila Faber said she wants to volunteer to serve on the committee that reviews books.
“I do support your policy, and there are a lot of people who do support your policy,” she said. “We started with prayer tonight. I know some of you are believers. I ask that you pray fully when you consider these policy changes as they affect the education of our students as a whole.”
The ACLU of Texas sent a letter to district officials Tuesday afternoon stating that the policy violates the First Amendment and federal anti-discrimination laws.
The policy under consideration is similar to guidelines that the Keller school district adopted last year.
According to the proposed policy, the ultimate decision on what is appropriate lies with parents and their children.
However, under the new guidelines, the school board would have the final say in approving library materials.
All library selections will be posted online so that parents and residents can review them.
Board members may also request information on materials.
Parents, employees, residents and students who are 18 or older may challenge library books and materials if they feel that the content doesn’t meet policy guidelines.
A committee of employees, including teachers and librarians, and people appointed by board members would review the materials. If materials meet the policy standards, no one can challenge them for a year unless legal guidelines change. If the materials are removed, they will not be reconsidered for five years.
The proposed guidelines list 14 themes, such as gender fluidity, bullying and drug and alcohol use, and whether that content would be allowed at specific grade levels.
This story was originally published May 17, 2023 at 3:12 PM.