Multiple speakers urge Pearland ISD to remove sexually explicit books from school libraries

During the public comment portion of the April 8 Pearland ISD board meeting, multiple patrons urged trustees to remove books that they described as sexually explicit or educationally unsuitable from district libraries.

Speakers included David Stokely, who recommended the district adopt additional curriculum revenue sources and said his team found more than 100 questionable titles during a short review; Bonnie Wallace, who asked the board to remove Crank by Ellen Hopkins and told trustees she had copies; and pastor Daniel Rodriguez, who said he and his group had found books he called “designed to lead little ones astray.” Denise Bell, chapter chair for Moms for Liberty Harris County, read from materials she described as sexually explicit and urged trustees to apply the district’s policies and state law (House Bill 900) when reviewing library holdings. Julian Herrera urged immediate removal of books he called grooming material.

Speakers asked that the board review titles they named, enforce the district’s educational‑suitability policy, and, if necessary, form a process or committee to expeditiously review challenged items. None of the public commenters asked the board to take immediate interim removal action during the meeting; the board did not act during the public‑comment period.

The most‑frequently named titles (as spoken at the meeting) included Crank by Ellen Hopkins and Boy Toy by Barry Lyga; speakers also identified What Girls Are Made Of (Elana K. Arnold) and a title they referred to as Breathless (Jennifer Niven). Trustees were handed highlighted copies and lists during the meeting.

Ending: Trustees acknowledged public comment rules that prevent board members from discussing or taking immediate action on matters not posted on the agenda; the speakers asked for follow‑up review under district policy and state law.