October 4, 2022
(Frisco, TX) — In August, Representative Jared Patterson submitted 28 formal challenges to Frisco ISD. The books had already been pulled for obscene content by neighboring districts and a national book vendor. FISD staff initially reviewed the titles for obscene content and ultimately sent most of the titles to a reconsideration committee made up of district employees and hand-picked members of the public. In total, the district pulled just five of the 28 books from its shelves. Frisco ISD did not find the remaining 23 books to be explicit.
After learning of the district’s decision, Patterson filed appeals for each of the 23 explicit books which continue to be in use throughout district’s libraries. Frisco ISD has since reversed staff’s and the reconsideration committee’s decision and removed “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson. “All Boys Aren’t Blue” is of particular note because Patterson notified the public and the district of the incredibly obscene book on multiple occasions prior to filing the appeal. It has also been nationally highlighted as extremely inappropriate.
“I question the judgement of any adult, particularly any staff member, who believes the radically explicit ‘All Boys Aren’t Blue’ is acceptable for Texas school children. It’s hard to believe this is even a battle we have to fight, but we’re committed to see it through.” Patterson stated, “District policy related to obscene materials is crystal clear, but the new policy passed in June has fatal flaws. I eagerly await the appeal decisions by FISD leadership and look forward to the day where my office isn’t needed to manage the district’s library services.”
The remaining 22 books are currently pending reconsideration by district leadership, where if not considered explicit and removed, a second appeal request will be made, sending them to the school board for a final decision. These 22 titles have all previously been removed partially or wholly from Little Elm ISD, Prosper ISD, and library book vendor Perma-Bound.
Jared Patterson represents House District 106, which encompasses the eastern portion of Denton County. During the 86th Legislative Session, Patterson authored and passed initiatives in policy areas such as transportation, education, property taxes, as well as eliminated unnecessary and burdensome government regulations. Patterson serves on the House Committees on Business & Industry, Calendars, and Homeland Security & Public Safety. He also serves on the Texas Cybersecurity Council. His family resides in Frisco.
