A Texas Observer editor reached out after my April 14 testimony against one of the many book-ban bills pending in the current session of the Texas Legislature and asked if I’d be willing to adapt it into an essay in this storied publication.

I was glad to. And though it shouldn’t need saying, “Texas Shouldn’t Legislate Censorship“:

If a few Texas parents don’t want their kids to have free and full access to our libraries, let those parents hold their own children’s hands, never allow them out of their sight, and never allow them to think for themselves. That’s on them.

But Texas libraries are treasures paid for by our tax dollars. Leave our libraries alone and let the rest of us—of all ages—make good use of them.

In related news, book-ban-friendly candidates got a well-deserved thumping in school board elections across Texas this past Saturday. You might want to let your state senator and state representative know, in case they’re considering supporting book-ban legislation as this session winds down.