THE TEXAS READER ACT
TEXTBOOKS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER ABOUT BEING WHITE
In a move that has left many scratching their heads, Texas has passed a new law regulating the sexual content in books sold to or included in public school libraries. The READER Act, as it's called, requires vendors to label books that describe or portray sexual conduct as either "sexually explicit" or "sexually relevant." And let me tell you, folks, the reactions have been hilarious.
First off, let's talk about those labels. "Sexually explicit" is defined as any communication, language, or material that describes, depicts, or portrays sexual conduct in a way that is patently offensive. But what about "sexually relevant"? That's defined as any communication, language, or material that describes or portrays sexual conduct, excluding library material directly related to the required curriculum. So basically, if it's not directly related to math or science, it's fair game.
Now, some folks are saying that this law is a form of censorship that violates the free speech, free education, and freedom of thought of students and teachers. But come on, guys, lighten up! We all know that nothing is funnier than a good old-fashioned book burning.
But in all seriousness, there are some valid concerns about this law. For one thing, it's pretty vague and subjective in defining what constitutes sexually explicit or sexually relevant material. This leaves book vendors with the burden of rating books without clear guidelines. And let's be real here, folks: do we really want our book ratings to be left up to a bunch of bureaucrats?
Another concern is that the law could lead to the banning or removal of books that have educational, historical, or literary value. This is especially true for books that feature diverse perspectives or experiences of LGBTQ+ people or people of color. And let's face it: if there's one thing Texans love more than guns and barbecue, it's banning books.
But perhaps the biggest concern is that this law undermines the professional judgment of librarians and educators who are trained to select appropriate and quality materials for their students. I mean, who needs professionals when you've got politicians?
Of course, book vendors aren't too thrilled about this law either. They don't have the time, money, or expertise to read and rate thousands of books based on sexual content. And they fear losing their business with Texas public schools if they fail to comply with the law or the standards set by the state. But hey, at least they'll have more time to focus on their true passion: selling guns.
Teachers aren't too happy about this law either. They worry about the impact of the law on their students' academic, social, and emotional development. They value the diversity and quality of books that they can use to teach various subjects, skills, and perspectives to their students. And they oppose the interference of the state in their professional autonomy and expertise to select appropriate and relevant materials for their students. But hey, who needs expertise when you've got politicians?
Now, some other states have similar laws that ban or restrict sexually explicit books in schools. But let's face it: Texas does everything bigger and better. We don't just ban books; we make a whole law about it.
And speaking of controversial laws in Texas, let's not forget about the Texas textbooks controversy. This ongoing dispute over the content and interpretation of history and social studies textbooks used in Texas public schools has been a source of endless amusement for years. Some of the issues that have sparked controversy include the representation of slavery, racism, and civil rights in American history; the role of religion in the founding and development of the United States; and the balance between conservative and liberal perspectives on economic, political, and social issues.
The controversy stems from the fact that Texas is one of the largest and most influential states in terms of textbook adoption and purchasing. The Texas State Board of Education has the authority to approve or reject textbooks for use in Texas public schools. And because of the size and market power of Texas, textbook publishers often cater to the board's preferences and produce textbooks that reflect its ideological views.
But hey, who needs accuracy and academic rigor when you've got politics? Let's just teach our kids that George Washington chopped down a cherry tree with his AK-47.
In conclusion, folks, let's all take a moment to appreciate the absurdity of this new law in Texas. And let's hope that someday soon, our politicians will realize that maybe they should leave education to the professionals. Or at the very least, leave book ratings to someone who knows what they're doing. Like a drunk monkey with a dartboard.
THE DEFT DIVE
The READER Act is a law that was passed in Texas in 2023 that regulates the sexual content in books sold to or included in public school libraries. According to the law, vendors must label books that describe or portray sexual conduct as either **sexually explicit** or **sexually relevant**¹⁴⁵. Sexually explicit material is defined as any communication, language, or material that describes, depicts, or portrays sexual conduct in a way that is patently offensive²³. Sexually relevant material is any communication, language, or material that describes or portrays sexual conduct, excluding library material directly related to the required curriculum²³. The law also prohibits schools from allowing students to access sexually explicit material and requires parental consent for accessing sexually relevant material²³. The law aims to protect students from harmful or obscene content and to recognize the role of parents as the primary decision-makers regarding their children's access to library material²³⁶.
Bing, 7/4/2023
(1) A new Texas law forces vendors to rate sexual content in ... - CNN. https://bing.com/search?q=READER+Act+Texas.
(2) A new Texas law forces vendors to rate sexual content in ... - CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/04/business/texas-sexually-explicit-books-law/index.html.
(3) A new Texas law forces vendors to rate sexual content in schoolbooks .... https://www.channel3000.com/news/money/a-new-texas-law-forces-vendors-to-rate-sexual-content-in-schoolbooks-they-re-not/article_d24a98d8-9abc-5230-b9ac-c8bb74986e24.html.
(4) By:AAPatterson H.B.ANo - Texas. https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/pdf/HB01655I.PDF.
(5) H.B.ANo - Texas. https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/pdf/HB00900F.pdf.
(6) TPPF Applauds the Passage of the READER Act - Texas Public Policy .... https://www.texaspolicy.com/press/tppf-applauds-the-passage-of-the-reader-act.
Bing, 7/4/2023
(1) Censorship Reigns in Texas: Controversial Bill Passes To Remove ‘Racy .... https://www.reformaustin.org/texas-legislature/censorship-reigns-in-texas-controversial-bill-passes-to-remove-racy-books-from-schools/.
(2) Texas Senate passes bill banning sexually explicit material in school .... https://www.thecentersquare.com/texas/article_baa7ea86-fb41-11ed-b658-238c28c0d113.html.
(3) ‘There should be no sexually explicit books’: Texas lawmakers debate .... https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2023/03/22/there-should-be-no-sexually-explicit-books-texas-lawmakers-debate-school-library-rules/.
The response of book vendors to this law is mostly negative. Some of their concerns are:
- - They do not have the time, money, or expertise to read and rate thousands of books based on sexual content¹²³.
- - They fear losing their business with Texas public schools if they fail to comply with the law or the standards set by the state¹²⁴.
- - They oppose censorship and support the freedom of expression and choice for authors, educators, and students¹²³.
- - They question the authority and criteria of the Texas Education Agency to create a "do not buy" list from vendors who do not meet their expectations³⁴.
Bing, 7/4/2023
(1) A new Texas law forces vendors to rate sexual content in schoolbooks .... https://edition.cnn.com/2023/07/04/business/texas-sexually-explicit-books-law/.
(2) ‘There should be no sexually explicit books’: Texas lawmakers debate .... https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2023/03/22/there-should-be-no-sexually-explicit-books-texas-lawmakers-debate-school-library-rules/.
(3) Texas Officially Bans So-Called "Sexually Explicit" Books; Demands Book .... https://bookriot.com/texas-readers-act/.
(4) Texas Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Sexually Explicit Material .... https://thetexan.news/texas-lawmaker-introduces-bill-to-prohibit-sexually-explicit-material-from-public-school-libraries/.
The response of teachers to this law is also mostly negative. Some of their concerns are:
- - They worry about the impact of the law on their students' academic, social, and emotional development, especially those who are LGBTQ+ or belong to marginalized groups¹.
- - They value the diversity and quality of books that they can use to teach various subjects, skills, and perspectives to their students¹².
- - They oppose the interference of the state in their professional autonomy and expertise to select appropriate and relevant materials for their students¹².
- - They question the validity and reliability of the ratings assigned by book vendors, who may not have the same educational background or criteria as teachers¹².
Bing, 7/4/2023
(1) Censorship Reigns in Texas: Controversial Bill Passes To Remove ‘Racy .... https://www.reformaustin.org/texas-legislature/censorship-reigns-in-texas-controversial-bill-passes-to-remove-racy-books-from-schools/.
(2) HB 3 Reading Academies | Texas Education Agency. https://tea.texas.gov/academics/early-childhood-education/reading/hb-3-reading-academies.
(3) Response to Intervention | Texas Education Agency. https://tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/special-education/programs-and-services/response-to-intervention.
(4) TPPF Applauds the Passage of the READER Act - Texas Public Policy .... https://www.texaspolicy.com/press/tppf-applauds-the-passage-of-the-reader-act.
This law affects students and parents in Texas in different ways. Some of the possible effects are:
- - Students may have less access to books that reflect their identities, experiences, or interests, especially if they are LGBTQ+ or belong to marginalized groups¹.
- - Students may have less exposure to diverse perspectives, cultures, or histories that can enrich their learning and critical thinking¹.
- - Students may have less choice and autonomy in selecting books that suit their reading levels, preferences, or needs¹².
- - Parents may have more involvement and responsibility in deciding what books their children can access in school libraries²³.
- - Parents may have more awareness and information about the sexual content of books that their children may encounter in school²³.
Bing, 7/4/2023
(1) Censorship Reigns in Texas: Controversial Bill Passes To Remove ‘Racy .... https://www.reformaustin.org/texas-legislature/censorship-reigns-in-texas-controversial-bill-passes-to-remove-racy-books-from-schools/.
(2) Every Student Succeeds Act | Texas Education Agency. https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/laws-and-rules/essa/every-student-succeeds-act.
(3) TPPF Applauds the Passage of the READER Act - Texas Public Policy .... https://www.texaspolicy.com/press/tppf-applauds-the-passage-of-the-reader-act.
Yes, there are other states with similar laws that ban or restrict sexually explicit books in schools. Some of them are:
- - **Florida**, which passed two bills that give more space for parental input and feedback on books and materials used in schools, and that curtail discussion of gender or sexual identity in public schools¹.
- - **Missouri**, which passed a law that makes it a crime to give students books that contain sexually explicit material, defined as any communication, language, or material that describes, depicts, or portrays sexual conduct in a way that is patently offensive².
- - **Oklahoma**, which passed a law that requires school districts to adopt policies for parental review of instructional materials, and that prohibits the use of materials that contain obscene language or sexual content³.
- - **South Carolina**, which passed a law that requires school districts to adopt policies for parental review of instructional materials, and that prohibits the use of materials that contain profanity or sexual content³.
- - **Utah**, which passed a law that requires school districts to adopt policies for parental review of instructional materials, and that prohibits the use of materials that contain profanity, sexual content, or violence³.
Bing, 7/4/2023
(1) Missouri schools are taking books off shelves due to 'sexually explicit .... https://www.npr.org/2022/08/26/1119724459/missouri-schools-are-taking-books-off-shelves-due-to-sexually-explicit-content-b.
(2) States That Have Enacted Book Ban Laws: Book Censorship ... - BOOK RIOT. https://bookriot.com/states-that-have-enacted-book-ban-laws-2022/.
(3) School districts struggle to implement new laws on sexually explicit books. https://stateline.org/2023/06/14/school-districts-struggle-to-implement-new-laws-on-sexually-explicit-books/.
(4) School Districts Struggle to Implement New Laws on Sexually Explicit Books. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/school-districts-struggle-to-implement-new-laws-on-sexually-explicit-books/2023/06.
(5) School districts struggle to implement new laws on sexually explicit books. https://www.virginiamercury.com/2023/06/15/school-districts-struggle-to-implement-new-laws-on-sexually-explicit-books/.
The Texas textbooks controversy is a long-standing and ongoing dispute over the content and interpretation of history and social studies textbooks used in Texas public schools. Some of the issues that have sparked controversy are:
- - The representation of slavery, racism, and civil rights in American history¹².
- - The role of religion, especially Christianity, in the founding and development of the United States³ .
- - The balance between conservative and liberal perspectives on economic, political, and social issues³ .
- - The inclusion or exclusion of diverse voices and experiences, especially those of LGBTQ+ people and people of color² .
The controversy stems from the fact that Texas is one of the largest and most influential states in terms of textbook adoption and purchasing. The Texas State Board of Education, which consists of 15 elected members, has the authority to approve or reject textbooks for use in Texas public schools. The board also sets the curriculum standards that guide textbook content. Because of the size and market power of Texas, textbook publishers often cater to the board's preferences and produce textbooks that reflect its ideological views. These textbooks may then be sold to other states or districts that have similar or less stringent standards³ .
The controversy has attracted national attention and criticism from various groups, including historians, educators, parents, students, civil rights activists, and media outlets. They argue that the board's decisions are based on political agendas rather than academic rigor or accuracy. They also warn that the board's influence could undermine the quality and diversity of education for students across the country²³ .
Bing, 7/4/2023
(1) Company Apologizes for Texas Textbook Calling Slaves ... - Newsweek. https://www.newsweek.com/company-behind-texas-textbook-calling-slaves-workers-apologizes-we-made-380168.
(2) The Texas Textbook Controversy. It's Part of a Long, Awful, Tradition .... https://historynewsnetwork.org/article/159519.
(3) 'Revisionaries' Tells Story Of Texas Textbook Battle : NPR. https://www.npr.org/2012/06/20/155440679/revisionaries-tells-story-of-texas-textbook-battle.
Some examples of the Texas textbooks controversy are:
- - In 2015, a high school edition of McGraw-Hill's World Geography textbook referred to African slaves who were forcibly brought to the Americas as "workers". The company later apologized and revised the caption after public outcry¹.
- - In 2020, a New York Times analysis of eight commonly used American history textbooks in California and Texas found hundreds of differences in how they presented topics such as slavery, civil rights, religion, immigration, and gender and sexuality. The analysis showed how textbooks were customized to satisfy the ideological preferences of the Texas State Board of Education².
- - In 2021, conservative parents filed dozens of formal requests to remove books from school libraries that dealt with race, racism, sex, gender, and sexuality. Some of the targeted books included "Drama" by Raina Telgemeier, "Lawn Boy" by Jonathan Evison, and "Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You" by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds³.
Bing, 7/4/2023
(1) Two States. Eight Textbooks. Two American Stories.. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/01/12/us/texas-vs-california-history-textbooks.html.
(2) Here are 50 books Texas parents want banned from school libraries. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/texas-library-books-banned-schools-rcna12986.
(3) Texas Textbooks: What Happened, What It Means, and What We Can Do About .... https://www.rightwingwatch.org/report/texas-textbooks-what-happened-what-it-means-and-what-we-can-do-about-it/.
There is no definitive answer to what social studies textbooks are used in Christian national private schools and charter schools, as different schools may have different curricula and preferences. However, some of the most popular textbook sources used by Christian schools throughout the US are:
- - **Christian Light**, which publishes social studies textbooks for grades 1 to 12 that focus on God's sovereignty and providence in history and geography. The textbooks cover topics such as communities, world regions, American history, government, economics, and current issues from a biblical perspective¹.
- - **Abeka**, which publishes social studies textbooks for grades K to 12 that emphasize patriotism, Christianity, and free enterprise. The textbooks cover topics such as American history, world history, geography, civics, and economics from a conservative viewpoint².
- - **Bob Jones University Press**, which publishes social studies textbooks for grades K to 12 that integrate biblical truth and academic excellence. The textbooks cover topics such as American history, world history, geography, government, economics, and sociology from a Christian worldview.
- - **Accelerated Christian Education**, which publishes social studies workbooks for grades K to 12 that teach students to evaluate historical events and current issues in light of God's Word. The workbooks cover topics such as American history, world history, geography, government, economics, and citizenship from a fundamentalist perspective.
Some of these textbooks have been criticized for teaching a version of history that is racially biased and inaccurate. For example, a Guardian analysis found that some of these textbooks whitewash the legacy of slavery, frame Native Americans as lesser, and blame the Black Lives Matter movement for sowing racial discord.
Bing, 7/4/2023
(1) Social Studies - Christian Light. https://christianlight.org/shop-curriculum/by-subject/social-studies.
(2) The rightwing US textbooks that teach slavery as ‘black immigration .... https://www.theguardian.com/education/2021/aug/12/right-wing-textbooks-teach-slavery-black-immigration.
Some criticisms of these textbooks are:
- - They present a distorted and selective version of history that favors a white, Christian, conservative perspective and marginalizes or misrepresents the experiences and contributions of people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, and other groups¹²³.
- - They promote a narrow and uncritical view of citizenship and democracy that ignores the complexities and conflicts of social and political issues and discourages students from questioning or challenging the status quo¹².
- - They contain factual errors, omissions, and misinterpretations that undermine the accuracy and credibility of the information they provide²³.
- - They foster a negative and biased view of Islam and other non-Christian religions, while downplaying the violence and oppression committed by Christians in history²⁴.
Bing, 7/4/2023
(1) Accepting or Challenging the Given? Critical Perspectives on Whole .... https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15348458.2021.1958685.
(2) Proposed Texas textbooks are inaccurate, biased and politicized, new .... https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2014/09/12/proposed-texas-textbooks-are-inaccurate-biased-and-politicized-new-report-finds/.
(3) History Scholars Criticize Social Studies Textbooks - The Texas Tribune. https://www.texastribune.org/2014/09/10/history-scholars-criticize-social-studies-textbook/.
(4) Textbooks May Be Too Pro-Islam, Anti-Christian, Texas State Education .... https://abcnews.go.com/US/textbooks-pro-islam-anti-christian-texas-state-education/story?id=11697738.
