Houston school libraries turned into 'discipline centers' in 'hostile takeover' by state

[@user-gk-y8t]

I have never heard of a school without a library. Even a small rural school has a bookshelf with books the children can read. How is NOT having a library going to help with a child's literacy and overall education? Shame on Texas! Shame on Abbott!

[@royroy3]

It's not supposed to. It's one of the many last ditch efforts the GOP is doing because they're scared. They're a trapped animal that's slowly dying.

[@tomshea8382]

@@royroy3More efforts in the continuing war on the middle class and the efforts to turn them into an undereducated 6-dollar-an-hour drone class.

[@jeffbo8748]

Exactly. The GOP knows they have no electoral future, so they’re going to try and forcibly indoctrinate the next generation and cling onto power just long enough for it to come into fruition.

[@gerardsmulevich6594]

Fahrenheit 451

[@walterlichtenberg9846]

​@@gerardsmulevich6594It appears that way, doesn't it....

[@DeeWeber]

Librarian here. One of the things they're missing is that the library is one of the first places a child gets to choose for themselves and experience autonomy in their own education. As early as 4 and 5 a child picks out books that they chose! It's so amazing. And they are responsible to return the book. Their decisions guide their own learning! It really is magical to witness.

[@RebekahCurielAlessi]

God bless you, and thank you!!

[@blondhairblackstrat]

RWCN's hate autonomy. And education.

[@Tom-qq7ov]

You're exactly right. I remember my first time being taken to the library in first grade and falling in love with reading. And everything you're saying was part of that process. It's a shame that kids in Houston won't get to experience that. @deeweber

[@auntbutton905]

That's exactly what Republicans are afraid of. It's the educated ones and the autonomous ones who stray from the pack. They want their kids to be indoctrinated. Independent minds threaten them.

[@priscillarobb647]

Amen to that. Like I told my grandson that he needs to let his son experience the checking out of books and the feeling of the opening of the pages of the books than using the tablet all the time. Our great grandson needs to experience both.

[@drew2c659]

If you can’t see how corrupt that superintendent is then you don’t know when someone lies to you with a smile on their face. That man would rather privatize education and keep libraries (which can be safe spaces for kids to escape to with books!) inaccessible to the most disenfranchised of us all

[@jetta2134]

It started with Abbot not the superintendent! He is just a minion looking out for his paycheck! Not interested for Hispanic and black kids! Maybe the news outlets can let us see what the real, white schools look like and what programs and libraries they have!

[@katescarratt4267]

I don't know - he was very evasive when directly asked if he thought librarians were important. He dodged answering. So maybe he does know it's wrong.

[@bizygirl1]

It burned me up watching him talk. I see right through him and I heard him dismiss all the questions he was asked with non-answers. I believe this by design. I know it’s dark but I feel it in my heart. They’re creating future pathways to prisons.

[@PaolaBarrientos]

As an immigrant kid in Houston Texas, the library was my favorite place and the librarians help me learn English. I saw the library as a place of refuge and of safety.

[@ciphernine7824]

This is authoritarianism, pure and simple. No one has the right or authority to restrict or strip away another person's rights, liberty and freedom.

[@blondhairblackstrat]

When fascism comes to Texas, it will be rolling in a wheelchair and closing libraries.

[@girlsrnotwimps]

And yet they are

[@francismarion6400]

Democrats will defend those unions to the death, even if it means kids cannot read after high-school.

[@scarehalo5]

Unfortunately Republicans don't and won't care. they already banned phones alright in Florida schools, a violation of both the 1st and 4th amendments, plus it conflicts with rulings saying a Phone is technically protected by the first amendment but yeah, they don't care. Yes, phones should not and cannot distract a student during class time but an outright ban violates students constitutional rights, that are not given up because we enter a school, nor because we are under 18. Then they go and do this stupid 10 commandments bill that passed the Texas house and senate which also violates the 1st amendment "Freedom of religion" and establishment clause but no one has lifted a finger. They play by their own rules, laws, and republican constitution.

[@scarehalo5]

Plus, It violates the supremacy clause of states being obligated to align with federal law. If state law conflicts, it must forego its own law and adhere to what the federal government has set precedent and in legislation. Until people are sued and things are stuck down, it won't change. People need to properly give a whooping to these Republican to set them back in their place and off the power trip.

[@yeahaboutthatthough3656]

It's almost like they want the "bad" kids to hate learning. And honestly, as a black mother, I know exactly which kids aren't given the benefit of the doubt in disciplinary situations, more often than others. Planting a seed of disdain for libraries is the last thing some of our kids need germinating in their hearts. This is completely vile.

[@Anne--Marie]

They have targeted non white children because they know that a lack of education leads to prison. Literally.

[@Julia-lk8jn]

I hope I'm not being tactless , but this obvious strategy to make libraries distasteful throws me right back to Frederick Douglas: In his biography, he describes a tradition of 'one week of freedom' on plantations: a period where slaves didn't have their usual work load and were very much encouraged to enjoy the freedom of drinking themselves blind. By the end of that period, they'd be filthy, thoroughly hungover from all that 'freedom' and near relieved to return to work. It's a master piece of gas-lighting before gas-lighting was even a word. And now this anti-democratic ursurper teaches children that libraries are were you're being sent for punishment, places where you're glad to get out again. That's what knowledge does to you: impossible to see one without seeing the shadow of the other.

[@ld3511]

Yes 💯 but the old white male billionaires want fascism and slave labor. That's where we are heading.

[@sidgarrett7247]

I hope that any hint that the room was once a library is removed and since “they “ don’t want the children to have books they (the children & parents) make a beeline to the nearest public library or bookstore!

[@Julia-lk8jn]

@@sidgarrett7247 those children who have the good fortune to have been taught a live of books by their parents probably will, making me wonder if public libraries are next on MM's to-do list . For those children who aren't that lucky, a welcoming library with a friendly, caring librarian can make all the difference, and that's clearly why they are being taken away. There's no other point to this. _"If you really want to improve the life of 'the people' , just build a large library."_ Sir Terry Pratchett

[@ClayDress]

As someone with dyslexia, I had a lot of teachers just consider me dumb, cause I couldn't finish tests on time and I read books really slowly. If the only introduction I had to reading was all those assignments I failed, I would have hated it. But time spent in the library is time when you're surrounded by books and free to read whatever you want. Not being timed or worried about class credit, you could just have fun. I can't believe schools are having their libraries takes away for punishment centers. Kids doing poorly in school shouldn't be disciplined, they should be helped, so that their creativity and curiosity are kindled to support their academics.

[@michaelaclark3657]

As a very highly functional dyslexic I agree with everything you say , I feel very sorry for the children of America 😢

[@karenmayse378]

As someone who is also in a blue city in a red state, I support and emphasize Houston. I work for the school district, and the state hasn't met their legal requirements for SPED funding in the 8 years I've worked here. They want people to feel alone and hopeless. We all need to vote and get rid of these awful representatives. Good luck and all my love, Houston.

[@tylerprice6964]

good luck in your city as well. Everything is so gerrymandered here in Houston we don’t really see a light anymore. .

[@gamepapa1211]

As a teacher, this is infuriating. The business bros and their political cronies have made no effort to hide it anymore: they need obedient worker drones, and you can't have obedient worker drones when people are smart.

[@carlyar5281]

Exactly! This is about systematically holding down an entire generation. They are being targeted when they are most impressionable, so that these children internalize that they aren’t worth having nice things like libraries and books. They will grow up into adults who won’t fight for what they deserve because they never got what they deserved when they were kids.

[@hokieduck]

When people are educated, not when people are smart. Many people are smart without education, but education enlightens, gives power, and is the only real equalizer. THAT is why the right wing wants to tear it down. They want entitlement not equality.

[@jamesbarnes3832]

Might as well go ahead and say it. They want to enslave people to the tasks that they want filled.

[@BunnyLang]

Exactly. Our kids, in some states, are coming up under a system of totalitarians.

[@BunnyLang]

...

[@judylapierre8083]

I was a teacher for 37 years. This is the worst form of education I have ever heard of. Shame on you Texas.😡

[@hokieduck]

On so many levels.

[@90klh]

It's getting bad in a lot of places - it IS time to raise the alarm

[@allanhwhite.kineticmobiles]

@@neeldani7450, Can you think of a real comment?

[@allanhwhite.kineticmobiles]

@@neeldani7450 , Is the your attempt at an actual comment? Did you somehow miss the reality that this post is about Texas libraries??

[@kaiza6467]

@@neeldani7450 This story had nothing to do with trans people or "eroticism", and yet that's the first thing your mind goes to. 😂 Goes to show which side is the ones obsessed with gender studies and "sexualizing children" lol

[@hard_living]

I was at the library EVERY day growing up in the school system. I cannot imagine what my life would be without that thirst for reading. What they are depriving these kids... it's so tragic.

[@kismetcaffet9862]

I grew up in and went to Houston public schools. At every single school I went to (elementary through high) my favourite teacher was always the school librarian. They were always true educators who encouraged us to learn more about anything I or any of my classmates showed interest in. At the library, it wasn't about what grade we were in or how old we were - the librarian was a mystical keeper of knowledge, a seasoned storyteller who aggressively, but lovingly shared their obsession with books to anyone and everyone who listened. If they want to increase their test scores, they need to hire more librarians. Real ones who understand that you can motivate the "bad kids" to follow the rules by simply keeping them engaged with interesting subject matter or by finding interesting ways to present dry topics. Teaching kids to love learning is the easiest and most effective way to increase test scores. A library is the best and safest place to cultivate that love, not a structured classroom or "discipline area."

[@MisterKallo]

Mike Miles is a master at dodging questions, fire this man and rehire the librarians back.

[@elainedaprano9130]

I wanted to snack him! 😠

[@hog7203]

I noticed that also. Couldn't give a straight answer to anything. Sure sign of a major liar.

[@pinkfrost5470]

@@neeldani7450 Weird. Your statement is really weird. You see the world through pretty gross lenses.

[@theborg2638]

@@neeldani7450 What is your problem with seksuality? Why do want to force your problems onto children learning about the world? Don't you want to give them freedom and choice or rather force your worldview onto them? That is nothing else but indoctrination.

[@neeldani7450]

@@theborg2638 Children don't get freedom of choice. It is parents' will until they are 18 years old. DUH!!!

[@MiguelTrujillo1]

This is the WORST outcome I have every seen as it relates to teaching children. Removing libraries and librarians is an unspeakably bad idea.

[@RebekahCurielAlessi]

And that librarian loves the children. Love is the currency of enlightenment, of true learning, of education. 📚

[@francismarion6400]

The schools are failing

[@billsoderholm3125]

School are not failing. We have purposefully devalued education in the interest of cheaper labor and greater corporate profits.@@francismarion6400

[@TheRealBlueValhalla]

@@francismarion6400 because of Republican policies designed to destroy education

[@deekang6244]

@@francismarion6400And were improving. A “B” rating is pretty good. And where are the studies about how removing a library improves education? I’ve certainly never heard of it.

[@sciencemama6801]

God that's so heartbreaking! The message: "That kids shouldn't read. Or that kids like *us* shouldn't read."

[@alexandraw.4012]

This would have destroyed me as a child. It is insane. How can they do this?! ☹️ WHY would they do this?!

[@emilyfeagin2673]

You nailed it To destroy children the racist in TX don’t see any value in

[@t.k3025]

It is control. Vote these people out, demand your taxes be used for knowledge not ignorance.

[@debabbott4429]

To be clear, vote these REPUBLICANS out. Donate, volunteer to get out the vote, and vote for the Democrats. @@t.k3025

[@mairirose5843]

As a teacher this is appalling. I’m glad I don’t teach there. If I did teach there my family would be looking to move ASAP. This country, led by Florida and Texas is on a fast track BACKWARDS. These are despicable people.

[@ecclairmayo4153]

Thank you for your service! I agree as well it's just ridiculous not to have a library. I understand needing ISS for kids who are disruptive and need a "timeout", but they fail to realize that a library is where lots of people go to find their "timeout" in a quiet, orderly and peaceful environment away from disorder or bullies and surrounded by books and librarians.

[@rr7firefly]

Abbott is one despicable creep. DeSantis is another despicable creep. Both Abbott and DeSantis are examples of the worst people rising to top positions of power. There they can inflict their stupidity on everyone else.

[@FunFilmFare]

Thankfully Florida and Texas are only 2 very small parts of the USA. Hopefully other states won't follow their lead.

[@howardkerr8174]

​@@FunFilmFare You can be sure other Republican controlled states are watching this and contemplating the same moves. Not being "FIRST" will take the heat off them.

[@Ourladyrules]

Amen and we thank you for your service 💯🙏🌺🌺🌺

[@johnmclaughlin2392]

Are they finally turning schools into minimum security prisons?

[@jennaxoxox4821]

Yes.

[@carterfrvr]

In some cases, the prisons are better staffed. Like the mom said, "even prisons have libraries."

[@judyjudy4122]

Sure sounds like it. "Discipline centers"? Instead of LIBRARIES?

[@johnmclaughlin2392]

@@carterfrvr So upsetting.

[@debi1451]

@@judyjudy4122 , Fascism!.

[@elishatea]

In my experiences, school librarians are often the most radically kind and supportive people in the building and will fight for their students. They understand the power of knowledge and inclusivity. I have little doubt that the state of Texas realizes this too and is strategically removing them from the buildings for this exact reason.

[@lyndsaybrown8471]

It's s appalling how people in Texas don't have access to their Constitutional Rights.

[@rochelledunlap9993]

It's nor just Texas, this is happening all over the country. Red states need to keep people stupid so they can continue to stay in power. If you educate a child, teach them to think critically, they will start questioning those in power. Red states can't have that.

[@sandgroper1970]

Why would they want children to read books, because books could give children ideas and ideals that are counter to Republican education programs.

[@90klh]

Like the Prager u video library they're gonna give them "access"to, like in Florida, THAT'S the library the republicans want - they already tried banning all the books on being black or different

[@johngodley256]

The Republicans want a working nation of religion infested zombies.

[@amelliamendel2227]

Yeah they might find out the Bible's just pretend

[@physicallymentallyemotiona6490]

Exactly!!! They want to program kids with things that are untrue like slavery being a good thing. They wan them to live in a fairytale world where every is designed to make it seem like certain atrocities never took place in this world. They are erasing history but not replacing the attituds of people who commit the watered down version of the hateful acts. This is just like when they took the Indian child's from their parents and raised in orphanages and taught them English while not teaching them their own language. They did that to take what they called savagery out of them so they could be better docile servants to work in their homes doing chores , tending crops and raising kids they took their freedom to turn them into domestic workers, some did receive higher education so they could become doctors or teachers so they could continue the same cycle that was set upon them, as they say who better to learn from than one of your own!

[@Megadebt]

Knowledge is power.

[@dreaminginjapan]

As an educator this makes my blood boil. America is just spiraling down a dark hole

[@shihtzusrule9115]

No. We're getting pushed down it by the republican party and much like all their other ideas, this will turn out bad too. They think this is how to ensure they stay at the top.

[@Joe-Dead]

as an EDUCATOR you should know that ONE STATE doesn't represent the entire united states.../facepalm. here's some things you should know, states make their own laws and as long as they don't interfere with federal law (which can be challenged) or the constitution (which can also be challenged) then they can do as they wish because they were ELECTED by members of that state for the government within that state and their laws ONLY apply to that state. so your statement should have read '...texas is spiraling down a dark hole'. add florida to that statement and you have the two states with the worst educational standards in the united states promoted by their fascist/religious leaders.

[@zoyadulzura7490]

It's heartbreaking. It's a failure on a national level that this is allowed to happen. There need to be some kind of federal-level standards to prevent states from doing such things. And there will be more red states that attempt to do something similar. People need to organize, vote, and keep this spiraling from continuing.

[@jeffclaterbaugh3962]

I work in a rural Texas isd and we turned the library into the iss room . 10 yr old I pads , no money and no help from the State it's disrespectful to the children

[@davkatjenn]

It's the hellhole of Fascism.

[@Yoursoul101]

Wow. Discipline over libraries. Amazing. You can feel the disconnect from the supervisor and the rest of the population.

[@StrangelyCrafting]

This is beyond despicable. As a kid books helped me in a way both my parents and teachers couldn't, they offered a reprieve from a world that I found abrasive, chaotic and confusing. Borderline hellish. I really probably didn't wouldn't be alive today and wouldn't be someone people wanted alive. These people are creating the same problems they push every election to solve.

[@carterfrvr]

"Kids like us shouldn't read" - I think the young man captured it so well there. I don't think they want the kids to learn. Because if they do, they'll be able to understand the world around them and its problems and want to solve them.

[@debi1451]

Exactly right!.

[@rosex3271]

An excellent example: Trumpty Dumbty could easily incited the J6 terrorists to storm the US Capitol on a wimp‼️

[@jmswillow5969]

In florida rosa parks was rewritten as a woman who wasn't black and giving up her seat wasn't about racism.

[@Wonderwoman79G]

@@jmswillow5969 That is shocking. DeSantis has a lot to answer for. The AA communities will never forget what he has done.

[@gantzthegreat8998]

@@jmswillow5969 You say "A woman who wasnt black".....wow, they have a pic of her in the text you speak of, and Florida had Nothing to do with it, the publisher did it all on their own and changed it back immediately. Why must you exaggerate (lie)... for what reason?

[@stillnocouch]

"Kids like us shouldn't read" ... that made me sad to hear a bright young person say. Powerful reporting. 👍

[@msjosieb]

Turning reading back into a privilege instead of a right. 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@evettabush3435]

​@@msjosiebtrue! How soon before it's illegal to be literate if you're poor???

[@6Haunted-Days]

@@evettabush3435welllll you don't need school to learn to read...,christ.....use your brain THINK.

[@rondasanders7614]

That statement made me sad.😢

[@shannonmayer18]

Omg! Education in Texas schools is going to get so bad! And it was already awful! Reading is such a big part of a child's education and mental development.😢 I remember being a little girl in elementary school. I loved reading. I loved our library. I spent so much time there, even at playtime. Other kids thought I was weird because I would rather read. However, I can say that my mind was enriched by the library, and the books. This is terrible.

[@llleeeaaahhhaha]

I could cry. Praying for these children.

[@t.k3025]

That’s part of the problem it isn’t about praying, it’s about knowledge.

[@JMcKey21]

Let's just take a moment to realize the difference between the reaction of a librarian and the corporate charter school shill that was installed.

[@johngodley256]

In the future UNESCO will have to launch a plan to educate US citizens, because they have fallen behind the rest of the world.

[@RebekahCurielAlessi]

Golden observation.

[@ayozab8540]

She has so much love and passion, something they don't understand the value of.

[@user-nk9fe1bk4q]

I worked for Mike Miles in Dallas and he was a horrible superintendent. He cut a lot of libraries in Dallas as well, big pay increases for his administrators and created pay incentives for grades. I was very happy to see him go. He also invested in Teach-America (an alternative certification program), prioritizing their hiring and if there were job cuts they were safe and let vet teachers go… all so he could make money.

[@ms.keeton2884]

That’s terrifying!

[@zoyadulzura7490]

People like that should be kept far, far away from the public education system.

[@dbadagna]

Look at all the empty shelves in the former school library in which Houston ISD superintendent Mike Miles is doing his interview! That's horrific and inexcusable, and he comes across very poorly, in my opinion. His annual salary is US$360,000.00, by the way.

[@SCFLEUR]

Ouu that Mike Miles is dangerous for lack of a better word/phrase. Something about him seems sinister and undermining. This is so disgusting. 🫤😡🤬

[@cariwaldick4898]

How did I know this had to be about money?

[@eagle-eye29]

My small town of Newberg Oregon did the same thing where the parent rights” groups took over the school board and fired an excellent Superintendent. The voters saw what was happening and voted out the majority of the old school board. I’m sure the fight isn’t over but the voters are now aware of how fragile democracy truly is.

[@vikingstorm885]

Ms. Hensley hit the nail on the head when she said they are taught to pass tests, not being shown how to learn, but what to learn. The passion of Ms. Hensley about creating lifetime learners is obvious. Instead of laying her off, any intelligent superintendent would reopen all the libraries and develop and put Ms. Hensley in charge of all of them.

[@FerretJohn]

Apparently in Texas parents have the right to say they don't want books in their school libraries, but they don't have the right to tell the state they do want them.

[@RebekahCurielAlessi]

Touché.

[@kingphilwill]

They do..that's what voting is for sweetheart...you vote for the people who make those decisions..it's called democracy.

[@dswan1418]

I think it's also that "parental rights" is only for *certain parents*. The same white parents outraged about a "liberal" book in the library aren't showing up to complain about the "discipline centers", because those appear to be targeted at black and Latino students. The black mothers shown speaking out in those meetings should in theory have the same "parental rights", but their voices aren't being listened to.

[@kingphilwill]

@dswan1418 those kids are in discipline centers for a reason, they aren't rounded up because the color.of their skin and tossed into a cell..those parents obviously don't care about their kids, otherwise they wouldn't need disciplining at school...parents who care about their kids do not rely on the government to teach their kids what's right and wrong in school..Houston school district had a huge problem with discipline and learning under the Democrat run system.

[@jmswillow5969]

I was put in detention because in art class I drew my water glass correct. My water was clear. Because water is clear. I refused to color it blue. This is exactly the same thing on education.

[@coleengoodell7523]

This feels like the equivalent to book banning, only under a different name. It's also discrimination if only certain schools are being targeted for this "new" concept. I do have to wonder what the salary of the guy put in charge of this is making. Pretty sure he hasn't taken a pay cut to go in and fire librarians. I'm also certain that there are other rooms that children who need to be removed from classrooms can go to. The whole thing stinks to high heaven.

[@bonnieprice9482]

Agreed!!!

[@Trump2PrisonOn34Counts]

GQP cares about education. It's a threat to them.

[@jamesbarnes3832]

In most schools, the cafeteria is empty most of the day. Seems like there are table and chairs in that area, and no books to move out of the way.

[@charleselphinstone6714]

@@jamesbarnes3832 So just hold them prisoner in another room??

[@hog7203]

​​@@charleselphinstone6714that's what they did to me back in the 70s when I acted up in school. It was called Detention. And they should have put me in there. It wasn't a prison though. It straightened me out. But they didn't remove the library, or any other course or class to do it. That's the part I don't understand. A library is an important part of an education in many ways.

[@HayTatsuko]

Removing libraries from an educational system is one step removed from replacing the teachers with sports coaches. And yes, I went to a segregation school (a so-called "private academy" -- almost exclusively White) in Alabama in which that exact thing happened. One year, our mathematics teacher was the baseball coach; another year, a basketball coach taught English. And as you might have guessed, we didn't learn much in either of those classes. But -- at least we DID have a good library, and a librarian who encouraged students' curiosity about all sorts of things. I imagine some parents might have been quite shocked by some of the books she kept on the shelves. It was my favorite place in the whole school and since I had to stay two hours after closing every day, I got to read just about everything in there that interested me. These right-wingers in Texas don't want Houston kids to get an education. It's all about controlling a population of The Other by keeping them under the boot of ignorance.

[@Permenantlyexhaustedghost115]

This is just evil. Libraries were my sanctuary as a child. I could pick out any book I wanted and get lost in imagination. Even have access to knowledge I didn’t have access to at home. To rob children of this is a sin.

[@Raddiebaddie]

I really feel for that mom and all of the parents and kids impacted by this. Disturbing that you could send a child to a SCHOOL without a library

[@Degan1000]

Houston area schools scored low on reading compared to other schools. So Republicans took away the books. How does that help kid's learn?

[@dr.j6506]

You can’t score low on a test if you don’t take the test.

[@90klh]

​@@basketballman1854really?

[@jamesricker3997]

It doesn't, that's the plan.

[@peterpain6625]

@@90klh Bet he watches too much newsmaxx and faux "news" :/ Poor muppet.

[@thewkovacs316]

@@basketballman1854 child abusing bot

[@Kontroversial84]

"Even prisons have libraries." Taking the library and turning it into a discipline center almost sounds like turning it into a prison.

[@thursdays_child5914]

This is so sad, I'm literally tearing up. All kids deserve a good school library.

[@SorenPenrose]

I cry at least once a week working in daycare in the middle of MAGA-land. All of the adults here are so mean to children. They think obedience is the only factor in being a good kid. It’s painful to work against that. So many kids with emotional issues. It’s exhausting. But they need me and that’s what my role in life is so as long as I live at least the children in my care have one safe space from MAGA hate-indoctrination. Exhausting but very rewarding.

[@lineakristensen1821]

"The grades are down, let's remove the libraries!" Only in America

[@kingphilwill]

"The grades are down, let's keep doing the same thing".. Democrats

[@jmswillow5969]

​@@kingphilwillthat's your thoughts and prayers gqp

[@kappadarwin9476]

@@kingphilwill Removing the school library will make test scores worst.

[@trappedinamerica7740]

@@kingphilwillI mean we could look at the continually decreasing funding or you could go with the brain dead logic of “they have books so it must be that”

[@annettemarionneauxstevenso6591]

FO troll.@@kingphilwill

[@o.b.7217]

*Knowledge is power.* There's a reason why the GOP doesn't want certain people to gain knowledge.

[@audimaster5000]

Nor own property, run/own businesses, gain wealth/power, have means to live outside of poverty, allowed opportunities, have a voice, be seen as fellow humans…ect Something about Infrahumanization

[@rixrat572]

Then they could understand for themselves the corruption democrats have brought to our government, remember we have a worthless corrupt president in office, the real problem is democrats

[@evettabush3435]

Yes, indeed. And it's so they can take away our rights without us even knowing it.

[@6Haunted-Days]

Yea it's called LOW INCOME!!! You always ALWAYS have to make it ABOUT YOU... It's ABOUT CLASS.....a war on the poor! Got it? Get it, GOOD.

[@stevenvox6549]

It's that it's a lot easier to for their arguments to work on stupid people.

[@annabunovsky5628]

I’m a librarian & the library was my haven as a child. This is morally reprehensible. It’s painfully obvious that this is an effort on the GOP’s part to tear down future generations of black and Hispanic activists & leaders. People like Abbott and Miles deserve nothing but scorn and shame.

[@gregmauro113]

As a teacher, I’m outraged at this. I get that some students need a place to refocus, but taking away libraries is a horrible solution. It sends the message that reading isn’t important. The superintendent sounds like a used car salesman. I wouldn’t trust him as far as I could throw him.

[@caitlin.6167]

I lived at the library when I was a kid. It was my sanctuary. I loved being surrounded by stories that allowed me to use my imagination. Books took me to different places I never knew existed and to meet characters that taught me to see different viewpoints. I can't imagine a child not even having a chance to experience that. It's just really sad that it has come to this.

[@aliciachristopher6506]

I did too when I was in school.

[@evettabush3435]

Me too.

[@zoyadulzura7490]

Disgusting that the kids at these schools won't have that--at least, not unless people mobilize and do something to fix this.

[@dbadagna]

Look at all the empty shelves in the former school library in which Houston ISD superintendent Mike Miles is doing his interview! That's horrific and inexcusable, and he comes across very poorly, in my opinion. His annual salary is US$360,000.00, by the way.

[@allenlovell1604]

It was my refuge in high school and college as well from the bullying that I had to endure !

[@banksiasong]

"Even prisons have libraries ..."

[@blindkimberly1360]

My heart hurts for our children.

[@mdiaz4669]

My school has no library. They got rid of it quietly during remodeling and eventually gave us a media center, which is just a big room where students can bring in their chromebooks and do their work. That is NOT a media center. In fact, I don't think any of the schools in the district have libraries. We're a small district in California.

[@smc130]

Anyone else think of DeSantis when they saw this? Abbott has become an ruling authoritarian, almost a jailer. As a Texas Democrat I detest these Republican tyrants!

[@aaronalegria1239]

Detest away

[@LadyElizondo]

Abbott is eying a run for the White House in 2028. If DeSantis is still politically relevant, I can see the two of them on the same ticket.

[@virginiamoss7045]

Pack up and leave Texas for a blue state. It will be worth it. Take all your family and friends with you. You still have that freedom, you know, at least until Texas finds a way to imprison you within the state. Don't wait.

[@reportmepabsnwflk]

Absolutely! I have been telling people Abbott is just as bad as DeSantis, he's just not as boisterous about it.

[@francismarion6400]

Got to address the problems

[@melissaburke5682]

My 3rd grade daughter heard part of this & literally went “I don’t want to go to a school that doesn’t have a library.” The library is the soul of a school. It helps reinforce that spark of curiosity from your classroom & more importantly it helps ignite the imagination of far off places especially in our current world. Libraries were my safe space growing up. I grew up in small towns so I read about the world outside of my small town. Closing libraries is closing windows & doors to education not expanding education. Seriously, what was he thinking?!

[@RKHageman]

Good for her! Kudos.

[@dbadagna]

Apparently he developed a reputation for closing a lot of libraries in his former job in Dallas, and also for significantly increasing the salaries of his fellow school administrators.

[@ShadowDragon8685]

> Closing libraries is closing windows & doors to education not expanding education. Seriously, what was he thinking?! That. That's exactly what he's thinking. This is straight-up Fascism at work; a more poorly-educated population is an easier-to-manipulate population.

[@CN45475]

The library is the soul of the school? Are u stuck in 1980?

[@amarketing8749]

​@@CN45475You are stuck in the Dark Ages if you don't understand how important libraries are. KEEP YOUR IGNORANT, FASCIST HANDS OFF OUR LIBRARIES!!

[@Harlem1mentality]

I’m black and when I was in school the library was a nice quite place, to get away from drama. We had a new updated library, where we had study groups at. We could go there during class. It really encouraged my love for reading.

[@Tonia682]

As a K/1st teacher of 30 years this is deplorable!

[@paulomilan515]

That superintendent struggled to explain his position, this is excruciating.

[@brentduanefoster]

Because he's 🐂💩in', that's why!!!

[@elainedaprano9130]

He was probably ashamed.

[@paulomilan515]

@@elainedaprano9130 he's apart of it

[@RebekahCurielAlessi]

Yes, it was something like "you don't get everything you want.." ??

[@johannesbruwer4072]

How did he get the job? His position is absurd.

[@marysullivan3881]

It's sad that things are becoming so inhospitable. Libraries in the school where I taught were places of refuge for kids not wanting to spend recess out on a field. There were books, games and acceptance and a place to feel like you belong.

[@steamnamebbderinvade__]

wait, you had board games for grade schoolers? Did you have enough copies for each table? When I went to school, I think they did hint they had that, just that very few took that option.

[@FlyingLibrarian1111]

The first step to an authoritarian state is to get rid of all the books. Texas, you better fight back.

[@thebougiewineo8976]

I would not have survived my childhood without free school meals and the library. I then joined the AF to better my life. I don’t understand what’s happening nowadays.

[@m0L3ify]

"Their reading scores are too low. Let's take away the books." Genius.

[@napalmholocaust9093]

Who needs a library that costs money when in a few years you can fill a prison that makes it?

[@lisakeane4386]

TRUTH.

[@jfkfc691]

Exactly .

[@damsonrhea]

Pay for prisons don't make money. They steal it from the community. They're more expensive to the state in the long run than public prisons... and public prisons certainly aren't making money. It's pure corporate welfare.

[@alexandradaniele]

Prisons already have libraries. So you're saying POC are all gonna end up in prison?

[@larendahadenart208]

In elementary school I would sit in the floor of the art and fiction sections of the library and just pour over these books that I would never have even seen otherwise. I can't imagine my childhood without a library. 😢

[@RickTheGeek]

If you’re afraid of books changing a person’s thinking, you’re not afraid of books. You’re afraid of thinking.

[@joerogain5025]

''Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.'' Voltaire

[@andrewstevenson118]

* Injustices. “Certainement qui est en droit de vous rendre absurde, est en droit de vous rendre injuste.”

[@terriem3922]

When I was a kid, they used the cafeteria as a study hall and detention room. The punishment was missing the class. Saying he requires the library for the space doesn't make sense. He thinks you can't see through that? What about all the books? The library was a giant part of my bookworm childhood.

[@dbadagna]

Look at all the empty shelves in the former library in which Houston ISD superintendent Mike Miles is doing his interview!

[@KUqdah]

That story was so inhumane! WTH is going on in this country!? No libraries in schools??? Sounds more like the Governor & Superintendent is prepping the AA students for prison instead of college.....Parents of Houston please organize and fight this appalling ideal!

[@donnaschley1723]

WHITE NATIONALISTS

[@animegirlnamedDani]

They come into school and say “oh, this is okay”. So you mean that breaking down our children’s will and desires is just as okay? What educator in their right mind would do this to children to set them up for success

[@napalmholocaust9093]

The right to education is not protected. Let's change that.

[@Shichard2006]

We need a Democratic supermajority that lasts several legislative sessions. Republicans will block and filibuster. Republicans will destroy EVERYTHING. NEVER reward a Republican with your vote.

[@Radi0ActivSquid]

I would have been devastated had this happened when I was back in school. The libraries were my favorite places. This "parental rights" movement has to be stopped. No matter the cost.

[@RebekahCurielAlessi]

And what about children's rights? I mean to say "yes".

[@elaineisabelle427]

Exactly, you can also blame The mom's of liberty.

[@kappadarwin9476]

I agree, these "Parental rights" groups make no sense. Because these "parents" think their rights trump every other parents rights. If these "parents" have so many issues with the school they can just home school their kids.

[@TinkerTaylor-zv1ml]

It's typical of authoritarian groups to use the word "liberty", "freedom" or "patriot" a lot.

[@letsRegulateSociopaths]

the only "cost" is that those people will again have the same say so as the REST of the parents...

[@tmacm2237]

Discipline censters? How dystopic

[@mjones8176]

This is by design; the creation of a permanent underclass.

[@loricusenza4887]

Literacy is the key to real education. These extremists are purposely trying to make sure these children are not truly educated. My heart hurts for the children and their parents. The job these parents are going to have trying to fill the gap in literacy, and critical thinking that is going to be neglected in their educational system will be immense.

[@spencerroberts4940]

The Republican agenda - "Not interested in having voters equipped with critical thinking skills." This is straight up Fascism.

[@truth4004]

They want to raise up a vile community.

[@chloekey8043]

Uneducated Republicans, that’s their goal

[@Seattle-2017]

Politicizing out K-12 education system; the kids always lose.

[@justayoutuber1906]

The Taliban and the GOP share many similar views on freedom, education, and women's rights.

[@moth7457]

I noticed that too.

[@waryaawariiri1812]

Talibans at least call themselves _The Students_ and believe in education, just not for certain adult women.

[@thinkinginTx]

I think that was part of reason mangolinni gave afghanistan back to them...something they agreed on....and in comes the magaban doing the same things here.

[@johngodley256]

That is why the Republicans fought a war against the Taliban, to secure their number one status in oppression.

[@peterpain6625]

The GQP really is the "American Taliban" it seems.

[@user-pn7rv5me2z]

Gov Abbott is deplorable

[@terasesnyder1626]

Disgusting and disturbing

[@letitiajeavons6333]

Students at these schools should stage sit ins and protests and demand their libraries back.

[@michaeltrower741]

Some tried that already.

[@annramsey7907]

Won't work in Texas or Florida. Republican no longer means conservative it means authoritarian.

[@RebekahCurielAlessi]

So troubling. Librarians have played huge and positive roles in my and my child's life. Children need to be inspired and uplifted and seen, not beaten down in spirit. 🙏

[@StitchingMothVibes]

Mike Miles would find a library beneficial! It would teach him how not to lie, how to read statistics, how to answer questions directly, how to get along with others. I'm sure the children's section has plenty of books on his level too.

[@JeremiahTrue]

Our school library (MA) is part of the “specials” schedule which each group of students has access to for 6 weeks of the year. We’re not a fan of that but at least it’s something. We also make sure to visit the local library 2-3x a month because our daughter is a voracious reader and doesn’t get the access she wants in school.

[@1959aak]

My love of reading and libraries saved me from the loneliness and neglect of my childhood. I learned to be kind, sympathetic, and loving from books. I learned about taking care of myself and others from reading. I learned that I could educate myself by reading and it could help make me the kind of person I wanted to be instead of the type of person I was being raised to be. Texas is using the schools to control not educate.

[@emilyfeagin2673]

Exactly.! And I question how much of my Federal tax dollars are going to fund an anti democratic state like Texas ?

[@tinahalle3575]

Same

[@kitcat8308]

Same.... Wonder if that's a part of why they're doing this 😢

[@kickinghorse2405]

In other countries (in Northern Europe), they have transformed prisonss into rehabilitation centers, which offer inmates the opportunity to take classes toward degrees and counseling. This allows the inmates to enter society ready for a new life. Meanwhile in Texas, they are transforming schools into prisons.

[@6Haunted-Days]

Yea lots of prisons here offer college and tons of stuff. You didnt know this? They've had them FOR DECADES.

[@kickinghorse2405]

@6Haunted-Days Yes. I taught some of the classes. In penitentiary. I helped design and test the classes. Yes. College degrees are offered as well. But these are 1) not systemic (not offered across the board in every prison), 2) not required (even if they are offered), and 3) not broad enough (not everyone is geared for a traditional degree - trade school skills with internships are often a desired option). Beyond education, offerings include counseling, life skills courses, exercise regimens, and . . . all come as a regular part of life in prison in several of the civilized nations. It's funded and participation is required by the state. Here in the US, some of these are offered some of the time in some prisons. Even then, they are often offered only when funded by a local charity or university as an "experiment" and end when funding runs out or senior staff at the prison decides on a whim to discontinue a program. There is zero uniformity on a national scale of best practices. So, your snark - albeit "cutesy" - is unhelpful and uneducated. Read up.

[@judyweeks6979]

I am horrified that libraries have been done away with. My heart brakes for these children.. I am an avid reader and these book bans and library closings make me sick.

[@suzywalsh7906]

This hurts my heart; this is unacceptable! This is evil.

[@sabsar29]

This is 1) absolutely heartbreaking and 2) a disgusting travesty!!!! Why take away libraries from the communities who need them most!!? Awful!!!!

[@cybeleearth]

Because they don't want these communities educated. They put in "discipline" rooms, so they can start the school to prison pipeline early. Gotta have enough criminals for the prison for profit system.

[@aliciachristopher6506]

They don't want the kids to get educated. Reading books is power.

[@simplersearchproductions]

The very nature of a library is about personal responsibility, freedom of choice, awareness/respect of differences, history/heritage, rules, respectful interaction, knowledge, limits, and enormous possibilities. If you're wondering how each of those concepts manifest in a library setting, think in your mind how a library operates (a shared space/hangout, mostly quiet, borrow books, Dewey Decimal System, etc.), then just add "because there are thousands of books to choose from" after each of them. For example, library is about limits because there are thousands of books to choose from. Cheers.

[@mab790]

That former library looks like sensory deprivation and institutional in a depressing way. This is a punishment room. 😢

[@emilyfeagin2673]

I’m have come to the conclusion that Texas is an entire state of Punitive Punishment

[@stacywacy4995]

Going to the library at school is the only time some children may have access to check out books. In School Suspension already had an area and it didn't have to be placed in the school library.

[@jin13118]

My heart truly aches for the children of Texas...this is terrifying and it gives me even more of a reason to work make positive change in the world.

[@ClarityDetermination]

Even prisons have libraries.

[@peterpain6625]

for now. :/

[@mellie4174]

Omg! Did you guys see the kids shuffling along the yellow lines!? Remind anyone of prison discipline!??

[@amethystburke9781]

This is hard to see and listen to in this century 😮

[@randal_gibbons]

Q: Our test scores are inadequate what should we do? A: get rid of the libraries.

[@mommatanya1]

I grew up in a dirt poor, very dysfunctional white family as a child. I remember when I was in the third grade a school librarian gave us a lesson on how to pick out a good book to read. One clue she pointed out was to look for special badges on the book cover ( Caldecott, etc.). There are so many books and authors that I have discovered over my lifetime because I noticed those badges on book covers. Some books that I would have never read if it hadn't been for those little badges. That one little lesson, from one school librarian led me to so many great books that I probably would never have picked up if left to just judge by the title or cover art. And sadly, so many of those great books are now banned in many districts. Oh, yeah--I grew up to have a career as an Air Force journalist and then later to graduate with honors from college and become a Special Education teacher. I am now retired. I ache to see what has become of our schools now.

[@emilyfeagin2673]

Thank you fir your service! Both in the military and as a teacher

[@24299]

Appalling is an understatement!

[@8randomprettysecret8]

This is cruel. Taking books away from children??? Have they forgotten they were once kids at one point in their lives? The library and book fairs were some of the most memorable times of my childhood. We need more compassion in leadership. Excessive discipline does more harm than good.

[@jetta2134]

These elected officials and powers call themselves, "pro family values, against abortion but it's ok to abort their brains and learning abilities because these kids may grow up to vote against the person I vote for!

[@aprilgoffinet3159]

Corruption of the highest degree. How are they getting away with this

[@ShannonsBibleStudy]

Corrupt politicians have a choice.

[@smc130]

They are getting away with it because Abbott and gang are putting up barriers impeding the minority vote in Texas.

[@charlottetracy3970]

Well, it's Texas...one of the cesspools of America. I'm so sorry for those children!

[@debi1451]

Florida is also where Democracy went and died.

[@valiizajames925]

🤨🤔😔 What?!? Load of ish was the superintendent stating?

[@stacyb2649]

Things just keep digressing. 😢

[@janeenharris3074]

What sort of school doesn't have a library? This is truly bizarre! What makes that man say his new model works? Surely schools the world over all have a library. America has lost its way completely.

[@kappadarwin9476]

A school that is purposely set up to fail. Abbott knows where the political headwinds are blowing so he is doing this to ensure Texas stays red which only shows how weak his grasp is on the state.

[@BBroadnax]

" We can't have everything we want.." A school consists of books, teachers, and students. The book is a vessel of knowledge, the teacher is a conveyor of knowledge, and the student is the recipient of knowledge. Absolutely insane that in order to help kids do better, they remove a tool to help kids learn and do better. Of course, these are adults who had the privilege of going to school with a library full of books that are making these decisions so they won't see the direct result of removing a basic fundamental of learning until it's too late.

[@andromedaspark2241]

They took out democratically elected school board members to put this boot-licker in, & take the resources away from the children of a city they see as political enemies. There's so many alarming things happening here

[@pasha4bedrocrecords]

Ridiculous!!!😡 The parents & community school be outraged and take action!!!

[@janalew]

There’s nothing Houston can do. Houston is a blue city and harris county is a blue county. The state of Texas took over This is the citizens of Houston and harris county being punished for not voting red and not voting for Abbott. It’s all politics. The communities that encompass HISD are mostly underprivileged communities currently being gentrified.

[@s.r.4029]

The gaslighting is sickening.