Grapevine-Colleyville ISD school board approves revision for challenging and purchasing books

This blog originally appeared at WFAA ABC.

The revision further explains definitions of what is deemed inappropriate in books. It also clarifies materials available with parental consent.

The Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District (ISD) board of trustees voted 7-0 to approve a revision to the district’s book review policy during a school board meeting. The revision was intended to make the policy clearer and more understandable for stakeholders. The district’s book review policy had been in place since the previous August.

The revision of the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District’s (GCISD) book review policy includes several key changes:

1. Clarification of Inappropriate Content: The revision provides clearer definitions of what is considered inappropriate content in books.
2. Parental Consent: It clarifies the availability of materials with parental consent, ensuring that parents have a say in their children’s reading materials.
3. Challenging Books: The revision includes specific instructions for challenging books and outlines the process for removing or reordering challenged books.
4. Reduced Time Periods: The policy shortens the time period during which a book that remains in the library after a formal challenge may be challenged again. It also reduces the time a removed book may be eligible for reconsideration.
5. Feedback and Clarity: The revision is a response to feedback from librarians and teachers who had questions about the policy’s execution. It aims to clarify and simplify the policy.
6. Inclusivity: Trustee Becky St. John expressed a desire for more parental inclusion in the policy.
7. Not More Restrictive: Several board members noted that the revision does not make the current policy more restrictive than it already is.

Overall, the revision seeks to enhance clarity, provide guidelines for book challenges, and involve parents in the decision-making process regarding reading materials in the school district.

Click here to see full blog: https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/education/schools/grapevine-colleyville-isd-school-board-approves-revision-challenging-purchasing-books/287-58336294-781a-410f-81cf-9ceefd10dd0e