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Libraries » Library Materials Challenge Process

Library Materials Challenge Process

Purpose
The District recognizes parents as the primary decision-makers regarding their child's access to library materials.  This policy ensures compliance with state law, including Senate Bill 13, regarding the acquisition, review, and challenge of library materials.  Please review Policy EFB(LOCAL) for a complete description of the Library Materials Challenge Process.
 
Who May File a Challenge
A challenge to a library material may be submitted by:
  • A parent or guardian of a student enrolled in the District;
  • A District employee; or
  • A resident of the District.
 
Filing a Challenge
  1. A written challenge must be submitted using the form adopted by the Texas Education Agency (see form below).
  2. The completed form shall be filed with the Principal of the campus the challenge pertains to. Copies will be provided to the Superintendent, the Board, the school librarian, and any other staff designated in administrative procedures.
  3. The form must specify how the material violates state-approved library standards under Education Code §33.021.
Status of Material Under Challenge
Upon receipt of a written challenge:
  • The challenged material shall be immediately removed from student access district-wide.  Students may not check out, view, or otherwise use the material outside the school library until the Board of Trustees takes final action.
 
Review and Board Action
Because the District has not established a Local School Library Advisory Council (LSLAC):
  1. The Superintendent shall notify the Board of Trustees of the challenge.
  2. The Board must take action on the challenge at the first open meeting held after the 90th day from the date the challenge was received.
  3. In deciding whether to retain, restrict, or remove the material, the Board shall consider:
    • Whether the material complies with state library standards (Education Code §33.021)
    • Whether the material is suitable for the subject and grade level for which it is intendent;
    • Expert reviews, if available, from academic specialists in the subject or grade level;
    • The legal prohibition against removing materials solely based on the ideas expressed or the background of the author or characters.
Appeals
  • A parent, employee, or resident may appeal the District's handling of a challenge directly to the Board of Trustees.
  • The Board shall hear the appeal at the first open meeting following the filing of the appeal.
 
Classroom Libraries
If the Board determines a library material must be removed from the school library catalog, the District shall notify teachers at the affected grade levels.  Teachers must remove any copies of the material from classroom libraries.
 
Repeat Challenges
If the Board decides not to remove a challenged material, the District is not required to accept another challenge of that same title for two years from the date of the decision.
 
Related Parent Rights
  • Parents may submit a do-not-checkout list of library materials that their child may not access outside the school library.
  • If the District uses and online learning portal or learning management system, parents will be provided a record of each time their child checks out or uses a library material outside the school library, including the title, author, genre, and return date, as applicable.
 
Commitment to Principles
The District confirms its commitment to:
  • Providing students with access to age-appropriate library materials that support curriculum, literacy, and a love of reading;
  • Respecting the rights of parents to guide their child's reading;
  • Following all state standards and statutes for school library collection development;
  • Ensuring transparency in the library catalog and challenge process.