Texas school district was forced to remove copies of the bible after new state law banned ‘sexually explicit’ material

A school district in Texas was forced to remove copies of the Bible from its libraries after a new state law banned books containing “sexually explicit” material.

Canyon Independent School District limited the religious text, citing compliance with the state’s Republican-backed House Bill 900.

HB 900, known as the READER Actestablishes standards intended to regulate content sold to or included in public school libraries. The legislation bans books that contain at least one instance of “sexually explicit” content and requires students to obtain parental permission to borrow books deemed “sexually relevant.”

A leaked email by Canyon ISD Superintendent Dr. Darryl Flusche sent to parents, revealed that the ‘complete text of the Bible’ would no longer be available in school libraries due to sexual references in the text.

Flusche noted that “30 titles” containing “Bible stories” or “portions of the Bible” would remain available in the library. He added that the district has “strong ties with local churches who are happy to donate a Bible upon request” to students interested in obtaining a copy of the text.

The ban sparked outrage among parents, who at a school board meeting blasted the decision as “absurd” and argued that “the Bible has great value” and “should be valued in our Texas school system.”

Canyon ISD has now restored the book to its libraries after receiving “clarification” from state Rep. Jared Patterson, who authored the READER Act, and after reevaluating “the guidelines” of the legislation.

A leaked email from Canyon ISD Superintendent Dr. Darryl Flusche (pictured) to parents revealed that the ‘complete text of the Bible’ would no longer be available in school libraries due to sexual references in the text

Canyon ISD made national headlines the week before Christmas after Flusche’s email to parents was leaked online.

The public was outraged by the memo, which attributed the Bible ban to HB 900.

“House Bill 900, passed last legislative session, establishes library standards that limit content in school libraries,” Flusche wrote.

“From HB 900: Section 33.021. LIBRARY STANDARDS. (a) In this section, “sexually explicit material” means any communication, language, or material, including a written description, illustration, photographic image, video image, or audio file, other than library materials directly related to the curriculum required under section 28.002(a) , which describes, depicts or portrays sexual conduct, as defined in Article 43.25, Criminal Code.’

He added: ‘This library content standard prohibits books that contain one instance of sexual content, as described above.’

Flusche went on to claim that the READER Act “does not allow numerous books, including the full text of the Bible, to be available in the school library,” but claimed that there were “30 titles available in the Canyon Junior High library that contained Bible stories or parts of the Bible’.

He further instructed parents whose children would “like to have a Bible” to get in touch, claiming the district could use its “strong ties” with partner churches in the area to obtain a copy of the text for them .

It is unclear when Flusche’s email was written, but it appears the Bible ban was implemented weeks before Canyon ISD came under national supervision.

Flusche noted in the leaked email (pictured) that “30 titles” containing “Bible stories” or “portions of the Bible” would remain available at the library. He added that the district has “strong ties with local churches who are happy to donate a Bible upon request” to students interested in obtaining a copy of the text.

Canyon ISD has now restored the book to its libraries after “receiving clarification” from State Rep. Jared Patterson, (pictured) who authored the READER Act, and after “reevaluating the guidelines” of the legislation.

Furious parents reportedly rejected the decision one day school board meeting on Dec. 9, with one person telling district leaders that “it seems absurd to me that the good book was thrown out along with the bad books.”

“At a time when we need security guards and bulletproof windows and doors, I believe that having the Word of God available to our children can not only prevent violence, but also provide comfort and a sense of security in a chaotic world,” Regina Kiehne, who said she has two children in the neighborhood, argued during the meeting.

“It just makes sense to have the Word of God in our school library. After all, it is the book of wisdom. It is the best-selling book of all time; it is historically accurate, scientifically sound and, above all, life-changing.”

She further noted that the Bible is the most stolen book in history, arguing that “the only reason something is stolen is because it is valuable.”

‘The Bible is of great value. It should be valued in our Texas school system,” Kiehne added.

Senator Kevin Sparks also denounced the district’s decision to remove the book, arguing on Facebook that the “Bible is not educationally inappropriate, sexually explicit, or pervasively vulgar, making its removal legally and morally indefensible.”

“At a time when students are seeking guidance, the Bible provides an essential moral framework,” he continued. “I call on the Canyon ISD School Board and Superintendent to immediately reverse this decision for the benefit of our students and community.”

Similarly, the Amarillo Area Young Republicans criticized the move and vowed to seek and support candidates to run against current Canyon ISD board members, The Amarillo-Globe News reported.

Texas Sen. Kevin Sparks also denounced the district’s decision to remove the Bible from its libraries, claiming the move was “legally and morally indefensible.”

Canyon ISD has now placed the Bible back on the shelves following a statement from Rep. Patterson regarding the interpretation of the state’s new library content rules, the district confirmed to the newspaper.

The district “conducted a thorough review of library content” in an effort to “adhere” to the guidelines set forth in HB 900, which officials noted seeks to “maintain an inclusive and legally compliant educational environment.”

“The initial removal of the Bible was undertaken to align with House Bill 900, which would require increased scrutiny of educational materials to ensure they meet Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards,” the district said in a statement.

“Following the passage of House Bill 900, Canyon ISD conducted an extensive review of library materials to ensure compliance with updated state guidelines. After receiving clarification from Representative Patterson regarding the library’s contents, we have reevaluated the guidelines and are pleased that the Bible is available in all of our Canyon ISD libraries.”