The Canyon Independent School District (ISD) has ignited a debate over the role of religious texts in public education after removing the full text of the Bible from its school libraries. The decision, attributed to compliance with House Bill 900, has drawn sharp criticism from parents, lawmakers, and religious advocates.
The Decision and Its Justification
Superintendent Darryl Flusche explained the removal in an email to parents, citing HB 900, a law passed by the Texas Legislature in 2023 to safeguard students from sexually explicit or vulgar materials in school libraries. The law defines "sexually explicit material" as content that portrays sexual conduct in a "patently offensive" manner under the Texas Penal Code.
"HB 900 doesn’t allow numerous books, including the full text of the Bible, to be available in the school library," Flusche wrote, while noting that 30 titles containing Bible stories or excerpts remain in the district’s libraries. He emphasized that local churches have offered to donate Bibles to students who request them, ensuring access to the religious text through community partnerships.
Flusche concluded his email by urging parents to share their concerns with state legislators, acknowledging the divisive nature of the decision.
Parent and Community Outrage
Parents were quick to express their dissatisfaction. At a Dec. 9 school board meeting, Canyon ISD parent Regina Kiehne criticized the decision, calling it "absurd."
"In a day when we are needing security guards and bulletproof windows and doors, I think having the Word of God available to our children cannot only be preventative to violence, but also provide comfort and a sense of security in a chaotic world," said Kiehne, the mother of two students.
She highlighted the Bible's role as a source of moral guidance, historical insight, and literary significance, emphasizing its enduring value as the "bestselling book of all time" and a "life-changing" text.
Conservative activist Jamie Haynes echoed these sentiments, stating that the Bible's removal was a misinterpretation of HB 900. "Whether this decision was made maliciously, with erroneous counsel, or simply with lack of common sense, the Holy Bible...needs to be immediately returned to Canyon ISD libraries," she said.
Political Responses
The decision has attracted criticism from lawmakers, including HB 900’s author, Rep. Jared Patterson (R-Frisco), who refuted the district’s interpretation of the law. "The Bible, and other religious texts, are protected under HB 900," he stated, adding that the Bible "does not contain sexually explicit content as defined by HB 900."
Senator Kevin Sparks called the removal "legally and morally indefensible," while Congressman Ronny Jackson described the decision as a violation of Texas law. “Religious literature is explicitly protected under the Texas Education Code,” Jackson wrote on Facebook, demanding the immediate reversal of the decision.
Larger Implications
The controversy underscores a broader debate over the place of religious texts in public schools, especially in light of recent legislative efforts in Texas to promote displays of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. Advocates argue that religious texts like the Bible provide moral guidance and enrich students' understanding of history and culture. Critics contend that such actions risk violating the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which mandates the separation of church and state.
As the legislative session begins in January, parents and activists plan to lobby for clarity on HB 900 and the protection of religious texts in public schools.
Conclusion
The removal of the Bible from Canyon ISD libraries has ignited a firestorm of debate, with parents, religious advocates, and lawmakers calling for its reinstatement. The district’s decision, framed as compliance with state law, raises questions about the interpretation and application of HB 900. As the controversy unfolds, it highlights the tension between legislative mandates and community values in Texas schools.
