Katy ISD faces backlash for removing ‘The Hate U Give' from libraries

KATY, Texas (FOX 26) - Katy ISD is under fire for pulling a book from its junior high and high school libraries. 

The book is "The Hate U Give". It's about a 16-year-old girl growing up in a poor neighborhood who sees her unarmed friend gunned down by a cop. It discusses racism and police brutality.

Why did it get pulled? This all started when a parent complained to the school board. He says one of his middle schoolers came up to him with the book saying they didn't think they should be reading it. The dad says he tried to read it.

"I stopped at page 13 of 444. My question to this board is who reviews the books that go into junior high schools because this is absolutely crazy," parent Anthony Downs said.

He read a page out loud at the board meeting. It mentioned grinding, condoms, weed and pill popping. It also had cuss words.

The district says it hasn't banned the book but removed it pending further review because of "pervasive vulgarity and racially insensitive language."

On the Factor to join the conversation is Reshonda Tate, best-selling author, movie producer, and writer for the Houston Defender.