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'The Past Claws Its Way Out': A Principal Pays for the Cost of Banned Books

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Title: 'The Past Claws Its Way Out': A Principal Pays for the Cost of Banned Books
Language: English
Authors: Mai W. Zaru (ORCID 0000-0002-7795-9143)
Source: Journal of Cases in Educational Leadership. 2026 29(2):77-95.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 19
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools
Secondary Education
Descriptors: Principals, Censorship, Reading Material Selection, High Schools, State Legislation, Parent Attitudes, Reader Text Relationship, Minority Group Students, Educational Policy, Learning Activities
Geographic Terms: Texas
DOI: 10.1177/15554589251386003
ISSN: 1555-4589
Abstract: Principal Samir finds himself caught amid a high-stakes battle over book bans in Texas, where parental pressure to remove "inappropriate" books clashes with efforts to protect literature that reflects the lived experiences of marginalized groups, particularly immigrant communities. Faced with bills like HB900, "the READER Act," restricting educational content, Principal Samir must contend with the emotional, professional, and financial consequences of defending intellectual freedom. This case study explores the toll these bans take on the diversity of educational resources but also on the principal at the frontline. In an environment marked by escalating political pressures, can a principal protect diverse voices while still maintaining a professional relationship with various stakeholders such as parents, educators, and school boards?
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1504919
Database: ERIC
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Mai+W%2E+Zaru%22">Mai W. Zaru</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7795-9143">0000-0002-7795-9143</externalLink>)
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  Data: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Texas%22">Texas</searchLink>
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  Data: 10.1177/15554589251386003
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  Data: Principal Samir finds himself caught amid a high-stakes battle over book bans in Texas, where parental pressure to remove "inappropriate" books clashes with efforts to protect literature that reflects the lived experiences of marginalized groups, particularly immigrant communities. Faced with bills like HB900, "the READER Act," restricting educational content, Principal Samir must contend with the emotional, professional, and financial consequences of defending intellectual freedom. This case study explores the toll these bans take on the diversity of educational resources but also on the principal at the frontline. In an environment marked by escalating political pressures, can a principal protect diverse voices while still maintaining a professional relationship with various stakeholders such as parents, educators, and school boards?
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      – SubjectFull: Reading Material Selection
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      – SubjectFull: State Legislation
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