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Guardianship in Education: Choosing Books That Uplift, Not Undermine
The book Flamer by Mike Curato, supported by CFISD school board candidate Lesley Guilmart, contains very explicit sexual language, candid discussions around puberty and sexuality, and themes of self-harm. Many CFISD parents believe this kind of content—though part of real conversations in life—simply isn’t appropriate for school libraries funded by our tax dollars.
No one is saying these topics shouldn’t ever be addressed. They matter. But the question is: how do we approach them in schools? Couldn’t we find books that encourage compassion, understanding, and resilience in ways that are positive, uplifting, and age-appropriate—without exposing students to graphic or crude sexual detail?
When a candidate like Lesley Guilmart voices open support for keeping books such as Flamer in CFISD, it does raise a real concern: does this perspective reflect the values of all parents and families in our district? School leadership requires balance—ensuring representation and inclusivity, yes, but also protecting the moral standards and innocence we expect in an educational setting.
This isn’t about “banning books.” It’s about stewardship of what is placed in front of children, with the hope that our libraries offer materials that inspire, protect, and uplift.
Leadership or Lack of Judgment? Guilmart’s Book Choices Speak Volumes
CFISD school board candidate Lesley Guilmart has spoken positively about "All Boys Aren’t Blue", and the way it gives voice to important issues of identity and belonging.
This book also contains very explicit sexual descriptions that many CFISD parents feel is far too graphic for a public-school setting. Schools should provide materials that help students grow in empathy and understanding but also reflect age-appropriateness and high moral standards. Sensitive topics like abuse and sexuality can be introduced thoughtfully without resorting to graphic detail.
The real question for our community is whether a candidate like Lesley Guilmart, who openly supports including such a book in school libraries, represents balanced discretion that CFISD families expect. Shouldn’t we want board members who are careful stewards of taxpayer-funded schools, who ensure inclusivity and protect children’s innocence at the same time?
This isn’t about banning or silencing anyone, it’s about making sure our schools uplift students with content that is positive, moral, and appropriate for their age. That balance matters, and it’s something every CFISD parent and taxpayer deserves to think carefully about in this election.
Graphic Content Isn’t Leadership, It’s a Red Flag
CFISD parents may not know that Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison was/is available in CFISD and has been praised by people, including CFISD School Board candidate Lesley Guilmart.
This book doesn’t just touch on sensitive subjects—it contains graphic depictions of sexual activity between children, written in explicit detail. Many families understandably believe this kind of material is simply not appropriate for taxpayer-funded school libraries.
The matter at hand isn’t about “banning books”. It’s about stewardship of our schools and ensuring that students are given reading options that are uplifting, moral, and age appropriate. We all want our kids to grow in empathy and understanding, but we also want to protect their innocence and encourage higher values in the literature that schools provide.
As voters, we should thoughtfully evaluate whether candidates like Lesley Guilmart, who openly support materials such as Lawn Boy, truly represent the values and balance that CFISD families desire in their school board leadership. Protection of children should be non-negotiable.
