Kara Bell, a mother and former school board candidate, expressed outrage at a Lake Travis ISD board meeting after reading a passage from the book Out of Darkness, found in middle school libraries. The explicit content led her to criticize the district, saying, “Do not teach them about anal sex!”

The district removed the book and announced a review of its contents. A spokesperson clarified that while the district has discretion over library materials, it must adhere to First Amendment rights and may only remove books if they are “pervasively vulgar” or unsuitable for education.

Bell, upset by the book’s references, argued that middle school students should not be exposed to such topics and called for a focus on education, not public health.

Photo Credit: Cozy Media

Kara Bell, a mother and former school board candidate, made waves at a recent Lake Travis ISD board meeting when she expressed her outrage over a passage from the book Out of Darkness that was found in middle school libraries. The explicit content in the book led her to criticize the district for allowing such material to be accessible to students, declaring, “Do not teach them about anal sex!”

Following Bell’s concerns, the district took action and removed the book from the libraries, promising to conduct a review of its contents. A spokesperson for the district emphasized that while they have the authority to manage library materials, they must also respect First Amendment rights and can only remove books if they are deemed “pervasively vulgar” or inappropriate for educational purposes.

Bell, who was visibly upset by the book’s content, argued that middle school students should not be exposed to such explicit topics. She called for a greater focus on education rather than public health issues, suggesting that schools should prioritize teaching students academic subjects rather than delving into controversial and potentially inappropriate subject matter.

The incident has sparked a larger conversation about the role of schools in providing age-appropriate content to students. While some parents may agree with Bell’s stance and feel that schools should be more cautious about the materials they make available to students, others may argue that it is important for students to have access to a diverse range of literature in order to foster critical thinking and open-mindedness.

As the district continues to review its library materials and policies, it is clear that parents like Bell will continue to play a key role in advocating for what they believe is best for their children’s education and well-being. Ultimately, the balance between providing access to diverse perspectives and ensuring that material is age-appropriate will remain a complex and ongoing challenge for schools and communities alike.