Showing up matters. Even when you're the only one.

{Post written in collaboration with Izzy Mason, New Braunfels ISD parent.} 

Fighting book bans and censorship in Texas is not for the faint of heart. Not a single victory for the freedom to read has been won by people staying home and staying silent. The only "wins" we've had, are when people find the courage to stand up and speak out. Keep showing up. Keep speaking up. Even if your voice shakes. Even if you're the only one. Our kids, our libraries, and our freedom to read are worth the fight. 

NBISD parent, Izzy Mason, delivered this pointed public comment during the open forum at a recent New Braunfels ISD school board meeting. The transcript and video of her comment are shared here, with permission. May this example bring you some inspiration and motivation to speak up, too. 

The next New Braunfels ISD Board Meeting is scheduled for May 11, 2026 at 6:00PM. Visit the NBISD website for Speaker Sign Up instructions for the public forum portion of the board meeting. Or email the board of trustees here. 

Transcript of Izzy's public comment: 

"Hi, My name’s Izzy Mason. I have children at Oak Run and Carl Schurz.

I am here because I am deeply upset by the actions of this board regarding our school libraries. This Board has overseen the removal or aging up of over a thousand books, including To Kill a Mockingbird, Fahrenheit 451, and Three Musketeers. I grew up in Texas public schools and some of these were required reading. It is absurd that they are now banned.

You have bypassed the professional expertise of our librarians and replaced it with Al that flags anything that was not specifically tagged as for children. Your policy to weed through these books is a failure and I am so tired of having to hear disappointing update after update about how you, in fact, do not have our children's best interests in mind and are continuing to be as opaque as possible.

How do you only have 400 books listed as removed on your website but we now find that over a thousand were actually removed or aged up? You made the decision to close the libraries behind closed doors, which is illegal, and have still have not given a firm timeline as to when you'll be done taking away more books. Which is also illegal. If I had the time and ability, I would sue.

We need you, as the school board, to start making decisions that actually benefit our children. You are in the position to help them. Please do so by putting our librarians back in charge of their libraries! They are the professionals and we love them. They have been doing an amazing job and I'd like to see them take over the horrible job that you have been doing."

Guest Contributor: 

 Izzy Mason is an NBISD parent, artist, and book enthusiast. 

*Texas Freedom to Read Project does not assert the legality of anything NBISD is or is not doing. We are sharing one parent's perspective, voice, and plea for her school board and school district to do things differently.