Pasadena ISD parents demand removal of inappropriate books from school libraries

The Pasadena Independent School District (PISD) Board of Trustees convened on March 25, 2025, to address pressing concerns regarding the presence of inappropriate materials in school libraries. The meeting featured public comments from several community members, each expressing deep concerns about the impact of certain books on students.

The session began with procedural announcements, including time limits for speakers. The first speaker, Pastor Nick Caviness, highlighted his ongoing concerns about profane and pornographic materials found in the district's digital catalog. He reported that, despite previous discussions with district officials, he had discovered 43 additional inappropriate books during a recent search. Caviness urged the board to prioritize the removal of such materials, referencing a state bill aimed at addressing this issue.

Superintendent Dr. Powell responded to Caviness, acknowledging the previous meetings and expressing a commitment to addressing the concerns raised. He emphasized the challenges of monitoring all materials due to the volume of books and the role of publishers in providing content that may not align with community standards. Dr. Powell requested the list of identified books to facilitate further review.

Sabrina Martinez, another speaker, shared her personal experience with inappropriate content in school libraries, describing how it distorted her identity during her formative years. She expressed a desire to protect future generations from similar exposure, advocating for the removal of harmful materials.

Pastor Vega followed, reiterating the board's authority to remove inappropriate books and urging collaboration with the district to address the issue. He highlighted the need for immediate action to protect students and referenced a growing list of concerning titles.

The final speaker, David Stokely, a father of five, shared his own background and concerns about explicit content in school libraries. He read a passage from one of the books found in the district, emphasizing the inappropriateness of such material for young students and calling for a more rigorous vetting process for library acquisitions.

The meeting underscored a collective call from community members for the board to take decisive action in reviewing and removing inappropriate materials from school libraries. The board's commitment to transparency and collaboration was reiterated, with a focus on ensuring a safe and supportive educational environment for all students. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the district in balancing educational content with community standards and the importance of addressing parental concerns.