Houston-area school board votes to give superintendent sole authority over library books

SUGAR LAND, Texas (KIAH) -- The Fort Bend Independent School District school board passed a new policy to allow the superintendent alone to decide the fate of district library books.

With over 80,000 students, Fort Bend ISD is the third-largest school district in the Houston area and the sixth-largest school district in Texas.

The policy comes after school board member David Hamilton has pushed for months to change how books are challenged and removed in the district. 

Earlier this summer, district records showed that Hamilton is the only school board member who has challenged books this year. But when asked, Hamilton said didn't read those books that were being considered to be inappropriate by the district. 

Some parents have said the new policy will give the superintendent too much power over what books go into libraries.

Those parents, named Friends of FBISD Libraries, posted a statement on their Facebook page following the 5-2 vote by school board members on Monday.

"Trustees must uphold their commitment to being a steward of the community and doing what is best for all students," the statement said. "They are elected to represent the citizens of the school district — not just some of the citizens — all of them.

"Friends of FBISD Libraries believes our children deserve a high-quality education, one that helps students develop their humanity and become informed, compassionate, and productive members of their communities," the statement continues. "We will continue to support our FBISD libraries and librarians, and our children’s right to access a diverse range of topics and ideas."