A Texas school district removed the Bible from its libraries, arguing that it falls under a state law banning “sexually explicit” material in public school libraries. The district has since reevaluated its decision.
Canyon Independent School District Superintendent Darryl Flusche wrote in an email obtained by the Christian Post that House Bill 900 “establishes library standards that restrict content in school libraries.”
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The bill seeks to remove “sexually explicit material” from school libraries. Such content is defined as:
Any communication, language, or material, including a written description, illustration, photographic image, video image, or audio file, other than library material directly related to the curriculum required under Section 28.002(a), that describes, depicts, or portrays sexual conduct, as defined by Section 43.25, Penal Code, in a way that is patently offensive, as defined by Section 43.21, Penal Code.
According to Flusche, the law “doesn’t allow numerous books, including the full text of the Bible, to be available in the school library.”
He noted that the library offers 30 titles that are “Bible stories or portions of the Bible.” Flusche further stated that the district has “strong connections with local churches that are happy to donate a Bible” to students upon request. “We are more than willing to assist a student who would like access to a Bible by arranging this from one of our partnering churches.”
Texas State Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, the author of HB 900, said the Bible is the “most important and most read book in history, and removing it does a grave injustice to the students in your care.”
He added that “the Bible, and other religious texts, are protected” under the law.
“Perhaps you disagree with our fight against radically explicit content in public schools like Canyon ISD,” Patterson wrote. “Not only is your interpretation of HB 900 completely wrong, but your decision to ban the Bible was likely illegal.”
In a statement to KAMR Local 4 News, the school district confirmed the Bible’s availability to students.
“After receiving clarification from Representative Patterson regarding library content, we reevaluated the guidelines and are pleased to have the Bible available in each of our Canyon ISD libraries,” the school district said.
This article originally appeared on American Faith and is reposted with permission.
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