October 28, 2022
(Frisco, TX) — Recently, Representative Jared Patterson formally challenged 28 sexually explicit books within Frisco ISD in north Texas. Staff or reconsideration committees formed with staff and parents then reviewed the books. Since some committee members were opposed to removing explicit books and because the rubric approved by district staff took into consideration literary elements instead of obscene content, only five books were initially removed from circulation.
Rep. Patterson then filed formal appeals to senior FISD leadership staff on the 23 remaining titles. Last week, FISD senior leadership reviewed the titles and removed all but seven titles, reversing the decisions of the reconsideration committees. After receiving notice of the district’s decisions, Patterson filed final appeals for the remaining seven sexually explicit library titles. These final appeals will now send the explicit books to the FISD Board of Trustees to issue a formal ruling on the titles and their continued use or immediate removal.
Since February, FISD has removed 30 titles from circulation. With help from parents and teachers privately working with Patterson, 25 of the 30 explicit books removed have been from his efforts.
“After so much time and energy this year, I am grateful that we are starting to see real progress toward removing sexually explicit content from Frisco ISD. I don’t know why this has been such a fight, but we’ll continue it until every obscene book is removed.” Patterson stated, “Frisco ISD Trustees now have the opportunity to vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on each individual sexually explicit book. Parents, teachers and taxpayers deserve to know exactly which content each trustee finds acceptable.”
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.
