Several candidates at the Albuquerque Public Schools candidate forum expressed opposition to book bans and endorsed diverse library collections and professional selection processes, while also acknowledging parents’ rights to choose options for their own children.

Danielle Gonzalez, an incumbent board member, said she is “unequivocally opposed to any sort of book ban or curriculum ban” and stressed that librarians and professionals are trained to select materials. Brian Laurent Jr. said “I am not banning books, period,” and argued that books should offer both “windows and mirrors” — exposing students to both representation of themselves and other perspectives.

Courtney Jackson pointed to APS’s parents’ rights framework, noting families may request alternatives for their own children: “The job of the board is not to decide what is right for each family… Families know their children best, and they should have the ability to choose what works for them.” Jackson said the board’s role is to ensure options meet educational standards.

Isaac Flores said representation matters and called for classrooms where “every student … knows that they are safe there,” and Kristen Wood Hegner said New Mexico should not limit access to educational resources and stressed students’ need to see themselves in curriculum and libraries.

No formal policy changes were proposed at the forum. Candidates described general positions: opposition to district‑level bans; support for professional selection processes; commitment to parental options and transparency about materials. Any formal change to library or curriculum policy would require board action.