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North Lamar ISD board votes to keep library books despite complaint

Wednesday Morning Newscast Graphic
Lindsey Wiley
/
Texas A&M University-Commerce

The books in question are “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote and “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie.

  • In Lamar County, the North Lamar Independent School District has voted to keep two books in the high school library, despite a grievance against the district seeking to remove the books. The Paris News reports trustees voted unanimously this week to support school administrators in their wish to keep the books. The vote followed a public forum attended by about 130 people Monday. The books in question are “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote and “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie. The Paris News reports the complaint was filed by former teacher and school board candidate Teresa Bussell, who said both books contained pervasive vulgarity and were inappropriate for schools. During the meeting, North Lamar High School principal Mark Keith said “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote requires parent permission to check out, and “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie is not available for check out.
  • Heat, drought, and the risk of wildfire continues to be the theme in Northeast Texas this week. In Hunt County Tuesday night, a large fire near Neylandville burned more than 65 acres before crews were able to contain it around midnight last night. The Texas A&M Forest Service rates fire danger as very high across the region today.