Texas

Texas attempted more book bans in 2022 than any other state

Published

1 year ago

September 9, 2023

Press Room

Texas attempted more book bans in 2022 than any other state

Girl taking a book from bookshelf in library

Youngoldman/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Texans led the nation in the charge to censor books and other reading materials in 2022, according to a recent report from the American Library Association (ALA). New data found that the Lone Star State outpaced everyone else with 93 attempts to ban 2,349 titles—nearly double that of the second-ranked state, Pennsylvania, which made 56 attempts to restrict 302 titles.

These numbers reflect a nationwide trend toward book bans, many of which target works by members of the LGBTQ+ community and people of color, per the ALA.

Pulling from a compilation of reports filed by library professionals and news articles, the organization flagged a record 1,269 demands to remove 2,571 unique titles nationwide—a sharp jump from 729 demands in 2021. Data from past years also found that book bans previously targeted a single title, but in 2022, 90 percent of book challenges sought to remove multiple works.

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The 2022 report identified the biggest drivers of this movement as parents, who initiated 30 percent of the book ban attempts. They were closely followed by library patrons who initiated 28 percent of the challenges. About 17 percent of the complaints came from religious or political groups, and 15 percent came from school boards and administrators. The rest came from librarians, teachers, elected officials, and other community members.

Based on the most challenged titles of 2022, the ALA stated on its site that the findings are “evidence of a growing, well-organized, conservative political movement, the goals of which include removing books about race, history, gender identity, sexuality, and reproductive health from America’s public and school libraries that do not meet their approval.”

In Texas, the most embattled title was Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye,” the story of an 11-year-old Black girl set in the 1940s. It’s been widely challenged for its depiction of sexual abuse; sexually explicit content; and themes of equity, diversity, and inclusion, per the ALA.

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Proposals to limit access to this and other books have gained traction across the state, according to a spate of news reports. In February, former Houston-area pastor Rick Scarborough said he would launch a campaign to expunge “every immoral book in the library.” One month later, the Spring Branch ISD school board voted to make it easier to remove certain titles from library shelves, and, as the Houston Chronicle’s Claire Goodman reported, Katy ISD soon followed suit. Meanwhile, a North Texas school board official from Granbury ISD garnered heavy criticism for allegedly entering a school library without permission to inspect it for inappropriate content, according to WFAA’s Adriana De Alba.

Texas legislators have also picked up the fight. Per previous reporting, lawmakers voted this year to pass House Bill 900, also known as the Readers Act, which mandated book vendors to rate school books based on sexual content. The law, which stirred multiple booksellers to legal action, was set to go into effect Sept. 1 before a judge suspended its enforcement.

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Texas

After a battle that split the GOP, Texas leaders select a new Speaker of the Texas House

Published

4 hours ago

January 18, 2025

Press Room

After a battle that split the GOP, Texas leaders select a new Speaker of the Texas House

After a contentious battle that split Texas House Republicans, State Representative Dustin Burrows of Lubbock was elected Speaker. In the second round of voting, he defeated his fellow Republican David Cook of Mansfield, 85 to 55 votes.

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Texas

Texas football: Which former Longhorns are paying in the NFL postseason?

Published

12 hours ago

January 18, 2025

Press Room

Texas football: Which former Longhorns are paying in the NFL postseason?

The Texas football season is over, but the NFL playoffs are underway.

The Longhorns sent a record 11 players into the NFL with the 2024 NFL draft and will send even more in 2025. The ultimate goal for those potential draftees will be to make the playoffs — just like a couple of Texas-exes who will be playing with a chance to advance past the divisional round this weekend.

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The upcoming games include the Houston Texans vs the Kansas City Chiefs and the Washington Commanders vs the Detroit Lions on Saturday and the Los Angeles Rams vs the Philadelphia Eagles and the Ravens vs the Bills on Sunday. The victors this week will move onto the conference title games, just one win away from the Super Bowl.

From big contributors to backups on the roster, here are the former Texas players left in the NFL playoffs.

Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs WR

The Kansas City Chiefs drafted Xavier Worthy in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft after the former Texas receiver ran the fastest 40-yard dash in NFL combine history.

When he was initially drafted fans believed Worthy would unlock Mahomes’ deep ball, reminiscent of Tyreek Hill’s prime days with the quarterback. However, Worthy’s role has been in the short passing game. He has 638 receiving yards this season with 416 of them coming after the catch according to Pro Football Focus. Worthy and the Chiefs will face the Houston Texans in the divisional round.

Charles Omenihu, Kansas City Chiefs DL

After tearing his ACL in the AFC Championship against the Baltimore Ravens, Charles Omenihu has returned to the lineup for another playoff run with the Chiefs.

Omenihu has played in six games this year and has collected six tackles and a sack. Last season, however, Omenihu was having a career season on the defensive line. The former Longhorn had 28 total tackles and seven sacks before the injury took him out for the Chiefs’ Super Bowl matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

Jordan Whittington, Los Angeles Rams WR

Drafted in the sixth round by the Los Angeles Rams in 2024, Jordan Whittington earned a spot on the roster through his gritty playstyle and willingness to do whatever the team needs. He has 293 yards on 22 catches this season.

With wide receivers Puka Nakua and Cooper Kupp receiving the Lions’ share of targets, Whittington won’t see much pass-catching action in the playoffs. The Rams mostly use him as a run blocker and on special teams. He and the Rams will face the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round.

Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens K

One of the best kickers of all time, Justin Tucker has not been his usual stellar self.

He’s made 22 of his 30 attempts this season, for a 73.3% hit rate. It’s nearly 10% lower than his previous career low of 82.5% and it’s already cost the Ravens a few wins. The good news for Baltimore fans is Tucker has gone 21-of-21 on extra points and field goals since a disastrous three-of-six outing against the Eagles in early December.

The Ravens matchup with the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round.

Sam Cosmi, Washington Commanders OL

Drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft by the Commanders, Sam Cosmi has quietly become one of the more reliable offensive guards in the league.

The Commanders’ offensive line has seen shuffle after shuffle over the past few seasons. Cosmi has been incredibly reliable for Washington, and they subsequently rewarded him with a four-year, $74 million deal this past offseason. The Commanders will face the Detroit Lions in the divisional round.

Andrew Beck, Houston Texans FB

Beck alternates between the Texans’ practice squad and their roster. He does not have a solid role and has played in four games this season.

Kris Boyd, Houston Texans DB

He has eight tackles on the season and likely won’t see much action against the Chiefs in the divisional round unless there is an injury.

Boyd has played sparingly for the Texans as the second-string cornerback behind Derek Stingley Jr., who’s having an All-Pro caliber season.

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Texas

AMBER ALERT: 8-year-old boy missing in Aransas Pass, suspect on the run

Published

20 hours ago

January 18, 2025

Press Room

AMBER ALERT: 8-year-old boy missing in Aransas Pass, suspect on the run

An AMBER Alert has been issued for 8-year-old Patrick Killian, who was taken from Aransas Pass, Texas. Authorities are searching for 41-year-old Jeffery Harris in connection with the abduction.

Texas Department of Public Safety says Patrick was last seen at noon on Friday, in the 2600 Block of Armstrong Rd in Aransas Pass, Texas. He is described as a white 8-year-old boy, approximately 4′0″ tall and weighing 50 lbs. He has blonde hair, and blue eyes, and was wearing black frame glasses at the time of his disappearance.

Patrick was last seen with 41-year-old Jeffery Harris, who is described as a white man, standing 5′9″ tall and weighing 215 lbs. Harris has brown hair and blue eyes.

Harris is believed to be driving a silver 2016 Hyundai Elantra with Texas license plate VDK447K.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Aransas Pass Police Department at 361-729-2222.I f you see the vehicle or have any details, please call 9-1-1.

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