A recent board meeting of the Midland Independent School District (MISD) turned contentious as several parents voiced their concerns during the public forum about certain books they deemed questionable. Although the recording of the meeting uploaded to MISD's YouTube account has been muted, the district issued a statement addressing the parents' concerns.
"MISD has collected the books of concern that were brought to the attention of the school board to expedite the review process and will follow legal framework and board policy EF (LOCAL) to review them," said the district. "MISD takes this very seriously and will take appropriate action upon review of the books. The district adheres to the law and EF (LOCAL) for the process by which a school library acquires, maintains and withdraws materials and follows this policy when books are challenged. Should community members discover a book they find to be objectionable, they are encouraged to bring their concerns to the attention of administrators in accordance with board policy."
Despite these issues, a Facebook post by MISD focused on 2023 bond-related information concerning two new high schools, bond sales information, and elementary school design modifications without mentioning any part of the public forum.
"What about the books that are allowed in the schools?" Sandra Lopez Mata commented on MISD's post.
According to CBS 7, individuals advocating for book removal cited concerns over vulgar language, rape, racism, molestation, and pedophilia. The contentious books included "Me and Earl, and the Dying Girl", "Push", and "Identical."
CBS 7 also reported that Elvie Brown, Pastor at Community Unity Church said: "And so we’re just bringing this up and out. So that you as our leaders can look into these things. And for yourselves and for your own children, be able to answer the question: is this appropriate?"