When Banned Books and Critical Race Come to Town

Abstract

School and district leaders often face a politically charged environment. The past few years have heightened the unusual community sentiment on social media, newsletters, board meetings, and other public venues, especially around issues such as “Critical Race Theory.” Superintendents in Texas have been charged with considering book banning which led to the closing of classroom libraries and massive book removals in several independent school districts. In this case study, we examine how educational leadership, parental authority, professional standards for teachers, and accountability relate to social justice and the complex choices superintendents face when trying to do best by their students and their communities.