***The Iowa Standard is an independent media voice. We rely on the financial support of our readers to exist. Please consider a one-time sign of support or becoming a monthly supporter at $5, $10/month - whatever you think we're worth! If you’ve ever used the phrase “Fake News” — now YOU can actually DO something about it! You can also support us on PayPal at
[email protected] or Venmo at Iowa-Standard-2018 or through the mail at:
PO Box 112
Sioux Center, IA 51250
The Denton Independent School District (DISD) is standing by their decision to include two transgender ideology promoting books in an elementary school library. The two books in question are, “Jacob’s New Dress” and “Jacob’s Room to Choose” by Sarah Hoffman. In a last minute effort, concerned citizens, represented by attorney Mitch Little, will try to convince the school board to remove the books at an upcoming meeting on February 27th.
The controversy started with Debi Scaggs, a parent deeply connected to Denton ISD, having raised children in the district and currently having grandchildren attending school. This dispute revolves around her challenge to the educational suitability of certain books introducing gender ideology to young children. The December 18 decision retains “Jacob’s New Dress” and “Jacob’s Room to Choose” in the library and allows their use in classrooms. Scaggs contends that these books are educationally unsuitable and do not meet the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) collection development standards for school libraries , underscoring the need for these discussions to be within the purview of parents, with a focus on foundational subjects.
The School’s Review Committee considered 5 books of concern and removed 3 of the books Ms. Scaggs brought to their attention. However, they chose to keep “Jacob’s New Dress” and “Jacob’s Room to Choose” for use in elementary libraries and classrooms.
One committee reviewer defended the inclusion of “Jacob’s Room to Choose,” saying, “I loved this book most of all, out of the 5 I read. It shows the limitation of putting people in specific boxes and the teacher is a clever advocate for her non cis conforming students…”
Another committee reviewer said of “Jacob’s New Dress”, “This book encourages students to express themselves in dress up to explore their creativity.”
Scaggs and many other concerned parents would simply like Denton ISD to encourage children to learn subjects like math and english, while leaving the issue of “dress up” to parents.
In expressing her grievance, Scaggs said, “Parents should address this topic at home based on their child’s maturity. Introducing it to young children may be seen as indoctrination, planting seeds in young minds not mature enough to navigate such complexities. When a school district intentionally provides such educationally unsuitable material, particularly without considering age appropriateness, the district increases the risk of enabling gender confusion which adversely affects or endangers the mental health of the students.”
Despite these objections, the decision to retain the books has further fueled the parent’s determination to seek resolution through the grievance process. Having already filed a Level II grievance, the parent is prepared to escalate the matter to Level III if necessary. A Level III grievance would entail bringing the case before the school board for a more comprehensive review and public discussion.
Attorney Mitch Little is a Denton County resident who has 3 school-age children. Little recently was part of the team of super lawyers who successfully defended Attorney General Ken Paxton against impeachment.
For more information or to participate in the public discourse, interested individuals are encouraged to attend the upcoming
school board meeting scheduled for Tuesday February, 27, which will provide a platform for concerned community members to voice their opinions on the inclusion of these books in elementary schools.
About Citizens Defending Freedom:
Founded in 2021, Citizens Defending Freedom is a non-profit organization that strategically operates in counties across America to help citizens defend their faith and freedom, all while fighting for transparency in local government. Currently, Citizens Defending Freedom has official counties in Florida, Georgia, and Texas. The group is rapidly expanding its footprint and expects to grow into one of America’s largest political nonprofits.
Click here to learn more about Citizens Defending Freedom.
