Katy ISD Trustees Debate Banning Two Library Books

The district has removed 57 titles from shelves over the past five years as book challenges continue.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Katy ISD trustees were split this week over whether to retain, modify or remove two challenged library books - "Cat Kid Comic Club" and "Fake News Phenomenon". The board will vote on the books individually at their next meeting, with options including removal, retaining the titles in full, or retaining them with modifications such as age-level adjustments or parent opt-in requirements. This is the latest in a district that has removed 57 titles from shelves over the past five years amid an ongoing debate over school library content.

Why it matters

The debate over school library books has become a contentious political issue, with some parents and community members pushing for greater restrictions on content they deem inappropriate, while others argue that such bans infringe on students' access to information and free expression. Katy ISD's ongoing book challenges reflect a broader trend across the country as school districts navigate these complex and divisive debates.

The details

Trustees were divided on the two books under consideration. "Cat Kid Comic Club" by Dav Pilkey was challenged over concerns about violence and bathroom humor, but several trustees defended the book as harmless, silly humor. The book "Fake News Phenomenon" faced more criticism, with one trustee objecting to an opening example referencing the debunked Pizzagate conspiracy theory. Trustees will vote on each book individually, with options to remove, retain in full, or retain with modifications.

  • In January 2026, Katy ISD trustees voted to remove three other books from district libraries.
  • The board will vote on the fate of "Cat Kid Comic Club" and "Fake News Phenomenon" at their next meeting on Tuesday.

The players

Katy ISD

The Katy Independent School District, a public school district serving the Katy, Texas area.

Mary Ellen Cuzela

A Katy ISD trustee who raised concerns about the content of the two challenged books.

Morgan Calhoun

A Katy ISD board member who disagreed with the concerns about "Cat Kid Comic Club" and said she owns multiple copies of the book for her children.

Dawn Champagne

A Katy ISD trustee who defended "Fake News Phenomenon" as providing historical context on the issue of fake news.

Ken Gregorski

The Katy ISD superintendent, who reminded trustees that parents already have control over what their children access in school libraries.

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What they’re saying

“I own multiple copies of the book because I have multiple children who all love Dav Pilkey's writings. I'm going to disagree on this.”

— Morgan Calhoun, Katy ISD Board Member (Houston Chronicle)

“It's just a goofy book. There's a little bit of violence even in fairy tales and things like that.”

— Dawn Champagne, Katy ISD Trustee (Houston Chronicle)

“If parents did not want their kid to read this book, they can go in the system and say, 'Do not let my kid check this book out'.”

— Ken Gregorski, Katy ISD Superintendent (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The Katy ISD board of trustees will vote on whether to retain, modify or remove "Cat Kid Comic Club" and "Fake News Phenomenon" at their next meeting on Tuesday.

The takeaway

The ongoing debate over school library books in Katy ISD reflects the broader political tensions around this issue, with some parents and community members pushing for greater restrictions on content while others argue that such bans infringe on students' access to information. As the district continues to navigate these complex and divisive debates, the outcome of the upcoming vote on these two books will be closely watched.