On Book Bans and Parents' Rights

One of the questions I get the most often on the campaign trail is about “book bans” and whether parents should have a say in what their children are reading.

My answer is simple: a RESOUNDING YES.

Parents absolutely should be involved in their children’s education and determine the kind of content that is right for their own family. But what one family decides is right for their children should not remove opportunities for every other child.

When a book is pulled from shelves entirely, it takes away choices from families who may see that book as a valuable resource, conversation starter, or reflection of their child’s own experiences. For many students, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, school is the only place where they have access to books at all.

Removing titles from libraries doesn’t just limit choices, it can erase a student’s chance to see themselves in a story, explore new ideas, or discover a passion for reading- and let’s face it, anytime a kid puts the ipad or the phone down to get lost in printed words is a win to me.

That’s why I believe in parent choice, not community-wide censorship. Families should always have the ability to opt their own child out of materials they find inappropriate. In fact, District 49 already has robust policies to enable parents to exert their rights and I’ll be happy to point you to them if you need. But one family should not make these decisions for every other student in the district.

Our teachers and librarians are trained professionals who carefully select books to meet educational goals, spark curiosity, and reflect the diverse world our students live in. I value and trust their expertise. They are on the front lines of education every day, and they deserve our respect and support, not unnecessary political interference.

Strong schools are built when parents, teachers, and school leaders work together. As a school board member, I will always champion collaboration over censorship. I will advocate for policies that respect parental rights, empower families with information, and trust our educators to do what they do best: teach.

Our children deserve access to a wide range of ideas, stories, and voices that help them grow into critical thinkers and compassionate citizens. Together, we can build schools that prepare students for the real world, without fear, without division, and without banning books that help them learn.

I hope this clears up any lingering questions or concerns. If not, always feel free to reach out to me.