January 31, 2024 Committee of the Full Board Item 7

Discussion of Pending Litigation

January 31, 2024

COMMITTEE OF THE FULL BOARD: DISCUSSION
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION: NO ACTION

SUMMARY: The State Board of Education (SBOE) may enter into executive session in accordance with the Texas Government Code, §551.071(1)(A), to discuss pending and contemplated litigation with the general counsel, legal staff, and, if necessary, attorney(s) from the Attorney General's Office. The Committee of the Full Board will meet in Room 1-103 to discuss this item.

Cases to be discussed may include:

Book People, INC. VBK, INC d/b/a Blue Willow Bookshop, American Booksellers Association, Association of American Publishers, Authors Guild, INC., Comic Book Legal Defense Fund v. Martha Wong in her official capacity as chair of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Keven Ellis in his official capacity as chair of the Texas Board of Education, Mike Morath in his official capacity as Commissioner of Education; in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division, Case No. 1:23-cv-858; and

any litigation arising after the date of posting or reasonably contemplated as of the date of the board meeting.

BOARD RESPONSE: Board may advise and comment.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND JUSTIFICATION: At every regularly scheduled meeting, the SBOE has the opportunity to be apprised of pending litigation as the need arises. The SBOE may also receive continued briefing on procedural developments.

Staff Member Responsible:    
Von Byer, General Counsel, Legal Services