Read-in outside Texas Capitol House Chamber calls attention to SB 13
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Several groups who say they oppose book bans in Texas staged a “read-in” outside of the Capitol House Chamber.
Public education advocates and community partners joined the Texas Freedom Network on Memorial Day to show public disapproval of Senate Bill 13, which the groups say is a “legislative attempt to censor books representing underrepresented communities in Texas public schools and libraries.”
The bill’s sponsor, Angela Paxton, R-District 8, said processes and standards for school library book acquisition need “additional structure and transparency… to ensure that school library collections are appropriate for school campuses based on developmental suitability and on community values.”
Attendees of the read-in sat in a circle outside the House Chamber Monday and read from books they say would be subject to removal if SB 13 is passed a full vote.
SB 13 passed the Senate and House Public Education Committee and was set to be heard on the House floor Monday.
The bill states that a parent is entitled to access written school records related to library obtained by their child.
Among other provisions, SB 13 prohibits school libraries from possessing, acquiring or buying “harmful material,” library material that is rated sexually explicit, library material that is pervasively vulgar or educationally unsuitable, and library material containing indecent or profane content.
The bill “recognizes that parents are the primary decision makers regarding a student’s access to library material.”
The bill also states that parents can petition a school district’s board of trustees to establish a local school library advisory council, under certain conditions.
Paxton and the bill’s 21 sponsors say local school library advisory councils are meant to help ensure that library materials meet state standards and reflect local values.
Meanwhile, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that libraries can take books off shelves based on their content, reversing a district court’s decision in a case involving the Llano County Library.
SB 13 is sponsored by 21 Republican Representatives and was on the Major State Calendar for Monday.
