Native American Book Ignites Controversy Over Racial Education Training In Katy ISD

A new proposal of teacher training at Katy ISD on how teachers should discuss “sensitive issues” with students led to an intense debate over race topics at a board meeting.

According to the Houston Chronicle, the debate was sparked by a teacher’s use of an excerpt from Sherman Alexie’s novel, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which tells the story of a Native American student navigating a predominantly white school.

Some teachers criticized the use of this book arguing it is designed to make white students feel bad about being white.

Katy ISD’s training guidelines says teachers may not “be compelled” to discuss controversial issues that could divide students, unless they can do so in “in a way that is free from political bias.”

The proposed training also cautions against discussing Critical Race Theory, which centers on the impact of systemic racism in American history.

The book was not taught in its entirety in a classroom, teachers only used a chapter that addressed the main character’s concern over his physical size compared to that of other students.

Board President Victor Perez said in the Monday meeting that he was one of the board members who called for the training based on the usage of the book.

However, other board members said the book is not intended to attack white students.

“I’ve read that book two or three times, and I’m white, and my kids are white, and I don’t think it is a book about making white kids feel bad about being white,” said Board member Dawn Champagne. “The censorship of this book is what brought about the perceived need to alter the training.”

Board member Rebecca Fox noted that about 25% of Katy ISD students are white.

“Our role is to serve 96,000-plus children — all of them,” she said. “It’s a clear indication from the feedback you have given to the superintendent that you want teachers to teach a very limited exposure to people’s backgrounds.”

Trustee Morgan Calhoun argued that the book in its entirety was problematic because it contained a passage about masturbation.

“This is in the book that you love so much,” Calhoun said to Champagne.

The district has banned several books for describing sexuality or nudity.