1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing as a concerned constituent to express my opposition to Senate Bill 13, which proposes significant changes to the selection and management of library materials in our public schools. While I understand and support the importance of parental involvement in education, SB 13 raises several concerns: Transferring the authority to approve new library materials from qualified librarians to school boards and parent-majority advisory councils may lead to decisions that do not reflect the diverse needs of our student population. The bill's use of terms like "indecent content" and "community values" lacks clear definitions, potentially leading to the exclusion of materials that represent marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color. Implementing a 30-day waiting period for new book approvals could delay students' access to timely and relevant educational resources, hindering their academic progress. Historically, efforts to restrict library content have led to the banning of acclaimed literary works, limiting students' exposure to diverse perspectives and critical thinking opportunities. I urge you to consider the implications of SB 13 on our educational system and the importance of maintaining intellectual freedom in our schools. Please vote against this bill and support policies that uphold the integrity of our educational institutions. Thank you for your attention to this matter.