Texas School Board Candidates Survey Results - May 2024

The Texas Freedom to Read Project, in partnership with EveryLibrary, surveyed Texas school board candidates on the May 2024 local election about their positions regarding book bans, freedom to read, and the value of libraries and public schools.

The survey was sent to candidates in the 150 largest school districts and State Board of Education candidates for the May elections. Of the 60 respondents, 22 completed the full survey.

Key Findings:

• Divided Opinions: The survey reveals significant divisions among candidates, particularly on issues like censorship, book bans, and the role of libraries in education.
• Support for Libraries: Despite differences, there is a general consensus on the importance of libraries and librarians, with 73% of candidates strongly agreeing that school librarians are vital to students' educational well-being.
• Parental Rights: While candidates agreed on the importance of parental rights, 77% believe that these rights should not extend to limiting other students' access to books.

This survey highlights both the challenges and opportunities in advocating for the freedom to read in Texas schools, with common ground emerging around support for librarians and the importance of diverse, age-appropriate collections. You can read the full results and selected verbatim responses from candidates on the Texas Freedom to Read Project site.