TX FReadom Fighters
@freadomfighters.bsky.social
We believe in the right to read. We support #FReadom. Website link: https://www.txfreadomfighters.us/
"In the hands of bad actors—whether public or private—generative AI tools can supercharge existing threats to free expression." @penamerica.bsky.social thoughtful report on A.I. still rings true as we see A.I. tools used to remove library books.
pen.org/report/speec...
pen.org/report/speec...
Speech in the Machine
Speech in the Machine notes the free expression issues at stake with generative AI, which has the potential to supercharge misinformation.
pen.org
November 19, 2025 at 10:09 PM
"In the hands of bad actors—whether public or private—generative AI tools can supercharge existing threats to free expression." @penamerica.bsky.social thoughtful report on A.I. still rings true as we see A.I. tools used to remove library books.
pen.org/report/speec...
pen.org/report/speec...
Reposted by TX FReadom Fighters
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) told Punchbowl News on Monday that the chamber is “looking at” tucking the language into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a yearly defense spending bill widely viewed as must-pass and often used to attach other policy measures.
It’s Back. Congress Gears Up for Year-End Fight Over Moratorium on AI Laws. | TechPolicy.Press
A proposed federal moratorium on enforcement of state AI laws failed last summer, but lawmakers have resurrected the idea, writes Cristiano Lima-Strong.
www.techpolicy.press
November 18, 2025 at 11:52 PM
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) told Punchbowl News on Monday that the chamber is “looking at” tucking the language into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a yearly defense spending bill widely viewed as must-pass and often used to attach other policy measures.
We are thrilled that reason has prevailed in Missouri and library books will be returned to the shelves!. www.stlpr.org/government-p...
Missouri court strikes down book ban law that pushed libraries to remove hundreds of titles
A law creating a misdemeanor offense for school employees who supply ‘sexually explicit material’ to students is now void.
www.stlpr.org
November 19, 2025 at 3:16 AM
We are thrilled that reason has prevailed in Missouri and library books will be returned to the shelves!. www.stlpr.org/government-p...
Reposted by TX FReadom Fighters
The whole list is linked below. For now, these titles are only under review, which means they've been pulled from shelves, but may yet return to circulation. Meanwhile, please let NBISD know what you think of their AI censorship, and tell Texas legislators how dumb SB13 is. nbisd.org/library-mate...
Library Materials Under Review - NBISD
nbisd.org
November 18, 2025 at 4:19 AM
The whole list is linked below. For now, these titles are only under review, which means they've been pulled from shelves, but may yet return to circulation. Meanwhile, please let NBISD know what you think of their AI censorship, and tell Texas legislators how dumb SB13 is. nbisd.org/library-mate...
Reposted by TX FReadom Fighters
10. Native Son, Richard Wright (1942)
Read this in class in my conservative Catholic Texas high school. In 1996.
Read this in class in my conservative Catholic Texas high school. In 1996.
November 18, 2025 at 3:58 AM
10. Native Son, Richard Wright (1942)
Read this in class in my conservative Catholic Texas high school. In 1996.
Read this in class in my conservative Catholic Texas high school. In 1996.
Reposted by TX FReadom Fighters
4. Greenlights, Matthew McConaughey (2020)
New Braunfels is 30 minutes south of Austin, but UT's minister of culture is not alright, alright, alright in NBISD.
New Braunfels is 30 minutes south of Austin, but UT's minister of culture is not alright, alright, alright in NBISD.
November 18, 2025 at 3:49 AM
4. Greenlights, Matthew McConaughey (2020)
New Braunfels is 30 minutes south of Austin, but UT's minister of culture is not alright, alright, alright in NBISD.
New Braunfels is 30 minutes south of Austin, but UT's minister of culture is not alright, alright, alright in NBISD.
Thread. When Ai or other software tools are used to review books, this sort of mayhem results. When are we going to stop demonstrating to kids that books are somehow dangerous?
Long thread alert! The 20 craziest books currently unavailable to students in New Braunfels ISD in Central Texas due to the efforts of Texas book banners.
(Not in order, just going through the list)
1. A Streetcar Named Desire, Tennessee Williams (1947)
(Not in order, just going through the list)
1. A Streetcar Named Desire, Tennessee Williams (1947)
November 19, 2025 at 2:38 AM
Thread. When Ai or other software tools are used to review books, this sort of mayhem results. When are we going to stop demonstrating to kids that books are somehow dangerous?
We are seeing a sudden flurry of censorship activity in smaller towns in central Texas. If you are a parent or librarian in this area, please reach out to us or @txfreedomread.bsky.social if you need support.
November 18, 2025 at 5:07 PM
We are seeing a sudden flurry of censorship activity in smaller towns in central Texas. If you are a parent or librarian in this area, please reach out to us or @txfreedomread.bsky.social if you need support.
Reposted by TX FReadom Fighters
‘Antivirus for libraries’: How a Texas startup is capitalizing on school book bans www.statesman.com/politics/art...
@frankstrong.bsky.social @freadomfighters.bsky.social @txfreedomread.bsky.social
@frankstrong.bsky.social @freadomfighters.bsky.social @txfreedomread.bsky.social
'Antivirus for libraries': How a Texas startup is capitalizing on book bans
The company Bookmarked, whose cofounder advocated for SB 13, describes itself as a neutral player in the censorship debate. Critics disagree.
www.statesman.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:48 PM
‘Antivirus for libraries’: How a Texas startup is capitalizing on school book bans www.statesman.com/politics/art...
@frankstrong.bsky.social @freadomfighters.bsky.social @txfreedomread.bsky.social
@frankstrong.bsky.social @freadomfighters.bsky.social @txfreedomread.bsky.social
Read the article ⬇️ and thread about companies taking advantage of new censorship laws in states like Texas. @oif.bsky.social @penamerica.bsky.social @everylibrary.bsky.social @ftrf.bsky.social @txfreedomread.bsky.social @aabbri.bsky.social @ncacensorship.bsky.social
NEW: As Texas school districts scramble to comply with a new state law banning "indecent" and "profane" library books, one startup is cashing in.
I dug into tens of thousands of dollars in contracts between the company and Texas public schools. Here's what I learned: 🧵
I dug into tens of thousands of dollars in contracts between the company and Texas public schools. Here's what I learned: 🧵
November 17, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Read the article ⬇️ and thread about companies taking advantage of new censorship laws in states like Texas. @oif.bsky.social @penamerica.bsky.social @everylibrary.bsky.social @ftrf.bsky.social @txfreedomread.bsky.social @aabbri.bsky.social @ncacensorship.bsky.social
Using A.I. to vet library materials flags many titles that are not accurate and matches titles against "challenged" books or reviews which could include anything. This practice is problematic. Districts should not be using A.I. to vet materials, since A.I. does not include the context or full text.
In some cases, the impact has been immediate:
New Braunfels ISD used Bookmarked to help identify 450+ library books that could violate SB 13, from The Handmaid’s Tale to Madame Bovary to Game of Thrones.
The district shut its library for two weeks to start reviewing them. 4/
New Braunfels ISD used Bookmarked to help identify 450+ library books that could violate SB 13, from The Handmaid’s Tale to Madame Bovary to Game of Thrones.
The district shut its library for two weeks to start reviewing them. 4/
November 17, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Using A.I. to vet library materials flags many titles that are not accurate and matches titles against "challenged" books or reviews which could include anything. This practice is problematic. Districts should not be using A.I. to vet materials, since A.I. does not include the context or full text.
We have especially noticed in the data that the company is preying on small rural school districts. Is that by coincidence?
The company, Bookmarked, pitches itself as an “antivirus for libraries.”
It promises to scan thousands of titles and alert schools — and even parents — to books that could cause “board liability” or “media attention.” 2/ www.expressnews.com/politics/art...
It promises to scan thousands of titles and alert schools — and even parents — to books that could cause “board liability” or “media attention.” 2/ www.expressnews.com/politics/art...
'Antivirus for libraries': How a Texas startup is capitalizing on book bans
The company Bookmarked, whose cofounder advocated for SB 13, describes itself as a neutral player in the censorship debate. Critics disagree.
www.expressnews.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:28 PM
We have especially noticed in the data that the company is preying on small rural school districts. Is that by coincidence?
Reposted by TX FReadom Fighters
Have thoughts, tips, comments? My DMs are open, and you can reach me on Signal at bwagner.46.
November 17, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Have thoughts, tips, comments? My DMs are open, and you can reach me on Signal at bwagner.46.
Reposted by TX FReadom Fighters
Reposted by TX FReadom Fighters
For Austin American-Statesman readers: www.statesman.com/politics/art...
'Antivirus for libraries': How a Texas startup is capitalizing on book bans
The company Bookmarked, whose cofounder advocated for SB 13, describes itself as a neutral player in the censorship debate. Critics disagree.
www.statesman.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:34 PM
For Austin American-Statesman readers: www.statesman.com/politics/art...
Reposted by TX FReadom Fighters
To read more, including the marketing emails and internal discussions about Bookmarked that I obtained through PIRs, check out the full story. For San Antonio @expressnews.com readers (gift link): www.expressnews.com/politics/art... 8/
'Antivirus for libraries': How a Texas startup is capitalizing on book bans
The company Bookmarked, whose cofounder advocated for SB 13, describes itself as a neutral player in the censorship debate. Critics disagree.
www.expressnews.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:34 PM
To read more, including the marketing emails and internal discussions about Bookmarked that I obtained through PIRs, check out the full story. For San Antonio @expressnews.com readers (gift link): www.expressnews.com/politics/art... 8/
Reposted by TX FReadom Fighters
Additionally, for parents, the tool offers a portal to restrict what their children read.
But records I found show that almost no one uses it. In Llano ISD, only 7 of 2000 parents (0.03%) set any blocks on titles. 6/
But records I found show that almost no one uses it. In Llano ISD, only 7 of 2000 parents (0.03%) set any blocks on titles. 6/
November 17, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Additionally, for parents, the tool offers a portal to restrict what their children read.
But records I found show that almost no one uses it. In Llano ISD, only 7 of 2000 parents (0.03%) set any blocks on titles. 6/
But records I found show that almost no one uses it. In Llano ISD, only 7 of 2000 parents (0.03%) set any blocks on titles. 6/
Reposted by TX FReadom Fighters
Others, like Abilene ISD, say the product simply didn’t work.
“They made promises they couldn’t keep,” one district administrator wrote. Another district's librarian called it a “HUGE failure.” 5/
“They made promises they couldn’t keep,” one district administrator wrote. Another district's librarian called it a “HUGE failure.” 5/
November 17, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Others, like Abilene ISD, say the product simply didn’t work.
“They made promises they couldn’t keep,” one district administrator wrote. Another district's librarian called it a “HUGE failure.” 5/
“They made promises they couldn’t keep,” one district administrator wrote. Another district's librarian called it a “HUGE failure.” 5/
Reposted by TX FReadom Fighters
In some cases, the impact has been immediate:
New Braunfels ISD used Bookmarked to help identify 450+ library books that could violate SB 13, from The Handmaid’s Tale to Madame Bovary to Game of Thrones.
The district shut its library for two weeks to start reviewing them. 4/
New Braunfels ISD used Bookmarked to help identify 450+ library books that could violate SB 13, from The Handmaid’s Tale to Madame Bovary to Game of Thrones.
The district shut its library for two weeks to start reviewing them. 4/
November 17, 2025 at 4:34 PM
In some cases, the impact has been immediate:
New Braunfels ISD used Bookmarked to help identify 450+ library books that could violate SB 13, from The Handmaid’s Tale to Madame Bovary to Game of Thrones.
The district shut its library for two weeks to start reviewing them. 4/
New Braunfels ISD used Bookmarked to help identify 450+ library books that could violate SB 13, from The Handmaid’s Tale to Madame Bovary to Game of Thrones.
The district shut its library for two weeks to start reviewing them. 4/
Reposted by TX FReadom Fighters
Since #txlege's SB 13 took effect in Sept., Bookmarked has aggressively marketed its product to schools, with some success.
Killeen ISD pays nearly $40,000 for its 40,000 students to use the software. Llano ISD pays $3,400. New Braunfels ISD just signed a contract for $8,900. 3/
Killeen ISD pays nearly $40,000 for its 40,000 students to use the software. Llano ISD pays $3,400. New Braunfels ISD just signed a contract for $8,900. 3/
November 17, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Since #txlege's SB 13 took effect in Sept., Bookmarked has aggressively marketed its product to schools, with some success.
Killeen ISD pays nearly $40,000 for its 40,000 students to use the software. Llano ISD pays $3,400. New Braunfels ISD just signed a contract for $8,900. 3/
Killeen ISD pays nearly $40,000 for its 40,000 students to use the software. Llano ISD pays $3,400. New Braunfels ISD just signed a contract for $8,900. 3/
The company, Bookmarked, pitches itself as an “antivirus for libraries.”
It promises to scan thousands of titles and alert schools — and even parents — to books that could cause “board liability” or “media attention.” 2/ www.expressnews.com/politics/art...
It promises to scan thousands of titles and alert schools — and even parents — to books that could cause “board liability” or “media attention.” 2/ www.expressnews.com/politics/art...
'Antivirus for libraries': How a Texas startup is capitalizing on book bans
The company Bookmarked, whose cofounder advocated for SB 13, describes itself as a neutral player in the censorship debate. Critics disagree.
www.expressnews.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Texas freedom to read friends ... take a look at this 👀👀
NEW: As Texas school districts scramble to comply with a new state law banning "indecent" and "profane" library books, one startup is cashing in.
I dug into tens of thousands of dollars in contracts between the company and Texas public schools. Here's what I learned: 🧵
I dug into tens of thousands of dollars in contracts between the company and Texas public schools. Here's what I learned: 🧵
November 17, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Texas freedom to read friends ... take a look at this 👀👀
Reposted by TX FReadom Fighters
This thread is a MUST READ. Nothing I have read since 2021 better captures the complete insanity of the “parents rights” book-banning movement than the need to protect kids from unicorn eyelashes.
We have the newest casualty of the “parents rights," movement in Texas! And we can thank Sen. Angela Paxton’s “parental rights” school library bill (SB 13) for keeping Texas kids safe from Pretty Perfect Kitty Corn in Southlake, TX (Carroll ISD). @shannonhale.bsky.social
November 15, 2025 at 2:39 AM
This thread is a MUST READ. Nothing I have read since 2021 better captures the complete insanity of the “parents rights” book-banning movement than the need to protect kids from unicorn eyelashes.
Reposted by TX FReadom Fighters
“It’s 2025 and the book burners are back. Along with a form of neo-McCarthyism that is tantamount to a witch hunt.” 📚 #canpoli #uspoli
‘The Librarians’ Traces the Battle of a Lifetime | The Tyee
As rightward forces campaign to pull books from library shelves, a gripping new documentary exposes what’s at stake.
thetyee.ca
November 15, 2025 at 1:44 AM
If you missed the Librarians Film at Tribfest, it is showing at the Alamo South Lamar Sat-Wed! #texastribfest
November 15, 2025 at 3:03 AM
If you missed the Librarians Film at Tribfest, it is showing at the Alamo South Lamar Sat-Wed! #texastribfest