He recently declared, “We’re coming for the books,” and announced his intention to pursue legislation that will punish Texas public schools if he believes that they have the wrong books in their school libraries. He said that even a single book he dislikes could cost a school or district an entire letter grade on the state accountability system. 

Decisions about which books belong in those libraries should be made thoughtfully by professional educators, librarians, parents, and local communities. They should not be dictated from Austin through political threats.

Lt. Gov. Patrick has proposed punishing school districts by lowering their state accountability ratings if they fail to remove books that state leaders decide are unacceptable.

That is not local control.

That is not parental rights.

That is government censorship backed by the threat of punishment.