KATY, Texas — A recent report highlighting book bans across the country claims Texas has banned more books than any other state.
438 - that’s the number of books banned in Texas during the first half of the school year, according to PEN America, a nonprofit that says it's dedicated to protecting free expression in the U.S.
PEN America said the content of those books includes a number of topics - violence, bullying, mental health, racism, LGBTQ+ themes and teen pregnancy.
All of Texas’s book removals happened in seven districts across the state, including Conroe, Humble, and Katy ISDs.
With three board positions now up for election, Katy ISD will be filling those seats with newcomers and new opinions. KHOU 11's Janelle Bludau spoke with some of the candidates to find out where they stand on this contentious issue.
“As far as the discussion on book banning, I think that’s a slippery slope, but it makes perfect sense that there are thresholds set where at the elementary level, there’s absolutely books that we don’t need to have in the elementary world," said Bruce Bradford, a candidate for Katy ISD Board of Trustees position 3.
Bradford said he knows book bans will remain a big topic if he’s elected. So does fellow candidate Shana Peterson.
“I think the policy that is in place is working," Peterson said. “Katy ISD has I think 390,000 titles and there’s only 14 books that have been banned. So when they say, all of these books, there’s only been 14.”
Peterson is running for position 5 against opponent Mary Ellen Cuzela.
“Anything that couldn’t be read on camera or on radio is not appropriate for the classroom," Cuzela said.
All agree – there are some books that don’t belong in the classroom, and feel the current policy at Katy ISD is working. But they agree, whatever the issue, people need to know who they’re voting for.
“It's good to know who you’re voting for. Be an educated, engaged, informed voter. Know who you’re checking off on the ballot," Cuzela said.
You can find PEN's full report on the organization's website.