On Wednesday, Gov. Greg Abbott sent a letter to Education Commissioner Mike Morath directing the Texas Education Agency to investigate any possible pornography in school libraries. The letter follows a letter the governor sent last week directing TEA, the Library and Archives Commission, and the State Board of Education to develop standards for school books and materials to ensure they are not pornographic. Both directives follow an initial attempt at an investigation by Rep. Matt Krause (R-Fort Worth), which included inquiries into 850 books on topics covering sex, gender, and race.
While TEA does not have law enforcement staff, it does have investigatory powers and staff—usually looking into possible financial mismanagement in districts. However, Abbott seemed to indicate any actual criminal activity would be referred to law enforcement entities. “During this investigation, I ask the agency to refer any instance of pornography being provided to minors under the age of 18 for prosecution to the fullest extent of the law,” he wrote.
While the governor assuredly is penning letters to try and score political points with ultra-conservative voters, the latest directive is cause for concern in a time where book burnings seem more present than past. TEA has not offered any formal responses to the directive, and Texas AFT will be monitoring the issue. You can read more on the latest political stunts around book investigations in the October 29 and November 5 Hotlines.