Katy ISD to vote next week on two challenged library titles after formal reconsideration requests

The district’s newly revised reconsideration process moved two challenged titles to the board for formal action after parents submitted request‑for‑reconsideration forms.

Cat Kid Comic Club, a popular Dave Pilkey graphic novel series, was challenged for alleged violent content. Trustees and staff noted the books' popularity among students and the library system’s age‑level categorizations; librarians use Destiny and Sora systems that allow parents to see and manage checkouts and opt‑out notifications. Board members agreed the matter should be handled as a standalone consent/action item next week and noted options that include retaining the title, restricting it to certain age groups, retaining it with parental opt‑in or removing it from circulation.

A separate challenge targeted Fake News Phenomenon for alleged political bias, citing the book’s coverage of modern events including the 2016 U.S. election. Trustees discussed the selection criteria the district uses (including whether a book presents balanced viewpoints on controversial topics) and noted that the challenger asserted political bias. Several trustees who had read the title said they found historical context and a range of examples but the board will evaluate the formal criteria.

Under the district procedure, challenged titles are submitted to the board with supporting documentation; the board must then decide whether to retain, retain with modifications or remove. Trustees asked staff to supply the original challenge forms and any timestamps showing when forms were submitted to ensure the review timeline is documented.

Next steps: both titles will be posted as separate agenda items next week with the formal motions options and staff‑provided documentation for trustee review.