“I am outraged by the actionsof the state-appointed HISD superintendent to eliminate school libraries andturn them into what are functionally detention centers. School libraries andlibrarians are a cornerstone of a thriving educational environment. Removinglibraries takes the state’s censorship efforts and attacks on communities ofcolor to a new level. These actions – along with their efforts to ban books;end diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; target trans youth; and removecollege professors – smacks of oppressive tendencies reminiscent of dark timesin history that we must not repeat. We will push back against these efforts atthe local level, and continue to advocate upholding the values of democracy,uplifting diversity and empowering our youth to become informed, activecitizens of the world.”