Frisco ISD removes fraction of 28 books formally challenged as “explicit” by Texas legislator

In August, Rep. Jared Patterson (R-Frisco) filed official challenges versus 28 pounds present in the Frisco ISD library that allegedly contained sexually explicit content.

Among the most nationally controversial, and included in this list, is a book called “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson that contains sexually explicit content. In one section, the book understand a scene depicting graphic oral and homosexual sex.

“It was so much more than losing my virginity,” reads an excerpt from the book. “For once, I consented to the sexual gratification of my body. This moment also confirmed that sex could be whatever I wanted it to be. And that it could be passionate and kind, but more importantly, fun and satisfying. Her body felt good in my mouth.

The book continues: “After a few minutes of fun and play, he got up and went to his bedside table, where he pulled out a condom and some lube. He then lay down on his stomach. I knew what I had to do even though I had never done it before. I had one benchmark, though, and that was my seven-plus years of watching porn. Although the porn was heterosexual, it was enough of a reference point to get the job done.

Another group of 11 books written by Ellen Hopkins contain sexual content and depictions of methamphetamine addiction.

Of the 28 books he challenged, many were left unremoved, including “All Boys Are Not Blue.” None of Hopkins’ books have been deleted.

Only five books in total of the 28 officially challenged, they were found to be self-explanatory and taken from Frisco ISD high school libraries.

In an email to Patterson from Amanda Butler, chair of Frisco ISD’s “Reconsideration Committee,” founded earlier this year following allegations of sexually explicit books, confirmed that “Not all boys are blue ” was not considered explicit.

She wrote to Patterson:[‘All Boys Aren’t Blue’] sparked discussion, critical thinking and curiosity through clear and focused storytelling… [and] All the literary elements… are intertwined to create a gripping story in an age-appropriate way.

“As a result, the review panel recommends that Frisco ISD continue to use this library material as a resource,” she concludes.

Frisco ISD local school board policy for “Protection from Inappropriate Content” reads: “Library materials shall not include “harmful materials” as defined by Penal Code 43.24(a)(2) or “obscene” material as defined by Penal Code 43.21(a)(1)(B).”

“Harmful material” is defined in the Texas Penal Code. 43.24 as material that “appeals to a minor’s lustful interest in sex, nudity, or excretion” or “is patently offensive to the prevailing norms in the adult community as a whole regarding what suitable for minors”.

Texas Penal Code 43.21 reads that “obscene material” is material which, “the average person, applying contemporary community standards, would find that, taken as a whole, appeals to the lustful interest in sex”, and “represents or describes representations or patently offensive descriptions of ultimate sexual acts, normal or perverse, real or simulated, including intercourse, sodomy and sexual bestiality”.

Additionally, Frisco ISD book selection guidelines read, “Notwithstanding any other criteria, a title will be deselected if it contains obscene content.”

Responding to the possible violation of school district policy and the penal code presented by “Not all boys are blue,” said a district spokeswoman the texan, “Regarding your question about ‘Not all boys are blue’ and Criminal Code definitions: The review committee determined that the book did not contain content that meets these definitions. There is an appeals process that the complainant can use if he does not agree.

Frisco ISD recently had a controversial school board meeting where parents provided passionate testimonies and feedback to the council’s discussion on various issues, including the book review process.