'Absurd': Parents blast Texas school district that banned Bible for 'explicit' content

A Texas school district has banned the Bible in response to a state law prohibiting schools from carrying "sexually explicit" material. Irate parents are now speaking out against the ban.

The Christian Post reported Thursday that Canyon Independent School District Superintendent Darryl Flusche sent an email to parents informing them that the "full text" of the Bible would no longer be allowed in schools due to Texas House Bill 900, which passed in the 2023 session.

Flusche noted that the law defines "sexually explicit material" as "any communication, language, or material" that describes or depicts sexual conduct in a way deemed "patently offensive" under Texas Penal Code.

Parents responded to the news of the ban with shock and outrage. According to the Post, Canyon ISD parent Regina Kiehne said at a December 9 school board meeting that it "seems absurd to me that the Good Book was thrown out with the bad books."

READ MORE: Even 'devout Christians' are appalled as OK mulls $3.3 million bid on 'Trump Bibles' for schools

"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," Kiehne said. "It just makes sense to have the Word of God in our school library."

"The only reason something is stolen is because it is valuable," she added. "The Bible holds great value. It should be valued in our Texas school system."

Flusche told parents in his email that while the full text of the Bible may be banned under HB 900, there are still dozens of "Bible stories or portions of the Bible" available for students to read in school libraries. He also told parents to feel free to "share their voice with the legislators concerning HB900."

"We have strong connections with local churches that are happy to donate a Bible upon request," Flusche said. "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."

READ MORE: How the Bible contradicts itself over key details about Jesus' birth