AUSTIN, Texas — A discussion over two controversial books went from Wednesday evening into Thursday morning with Lake Travis ISD voting to only remove one of them.
Some parents said two books written by Jesse Andrews – "The Haters" and "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" – were not appropriate for students. Both books have been in school libraries since 2017, according to the district.
Some of these parents raised concerns about the books' content and appealed a parent review committee's decision to keep them on library shelves. Meanwhile, others worried that removing the books could be a slippery slope for banning content.
"The reality is that many high schoolers have to deal with these difficult and complex topics," one parent said during the meeting. "It's important to have books in the library that reflect our lives and struggles."
District leaders voted 4-2 to remove "The Haters" from the Lake Travis High School library, while "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" will remain in circulation.
Earlier in the school year, the Lake Travis school board removed or moved three books. Under the district's book challenge process, a parent, district employee or district resident can initiate an informal reconsideration.
If the person objects to the district's decision, they can then formally appeal to a committee composed of district parents and staff who then review the book.
It remains unclear how quickly "The Haters" will be removed from shelves.