DCG speakers urge board to keep graphic novels as superintendent outlines formal reconsideration process

At a Dallas Center‑Grimes Community School District school board meeting, two public commenters urged trustees not to remove two graphic novels from district libraries and classrooms, saying the titles promote empathy and reflect students' experiences.

"Stories are like parts of a house," said Jenna Best, owner of Wandering Raccoon Books in Grimes, arguing that graphic novels function as "doors, windows and mirrors" that help readers see themselves and others. Best said removing titles would "board up" those windows and urged the board to keep them available to students.

Another speaker identified in the meeting as Miss Perez, a resident and parent, said books such as American Born Chinese help students from diverse backgrounds see themselves in classroom materials. Perez, who described herself as a first‑generation American, said access to diverse stories matters because some DCG students experience racism and bullying.

Superintendent Dr. Bloom said the district will follow state law and district policy when handling challenges to instructional materials. "DCG as a district is not looking to ban books," he said. Bloom described the established process: a parent or guardian may submit a formal challenge, a six‑member reconsideration committee reviews the material and provides a recommendation to the superintendent, and the complainant may appeal the superintendent's decision to the school board.

Bloom said the committee runs its own meetings and that deliberations and the committee's final vote on challenged material occur in closed session; any committee recommendation would be sent to the superintendent, who may either accept the recommendation or the complainant may file an appeal with the board.

Bloom also addressed concerns about the way an earlier, related meeting had been organized and said the administration paused and reconstituted the committee to ensure the process followed established board policy and legal guidance. He encouraged community members with questions to contact the superintendent's office directly and said the district would respond.

The board voted later in the meeting to approve a proposed reconsideration committee membership so the formal review process could proceed; the committee's membership was listed in the board packet but specific complainant names and details of challenged titles were not released at the time of the vote.

The district posted public‑comment rules at the meeting and reminded speakers that public comment is for community input only; the board does not take action during public comment.

The board packet and the district's policies cited by administrators say parents may request reconsideration and that the district will follow the established procedures; the board did not take any immediate action to remove or reclassify the titles during the meeting.