School can't substantiate claims that Texas girl's Bible taken away during in-class reading period

A Texas school district said it could not substantiate claims by a conservative activist group that a second-grader had her Bible taken away during a classroom reading exercise.

The girl’s family said a teacher took away her Bible two weeks ago during a “read to myself” period at Hamilton Elementary School.

The family – who asked to remain anonymous, fearing possible retaliation -- contacted the Liberty Institute rather than bring their concerns to the principal.

The conservative legal group pointed out the school’s library had copies of the Bible.

“If it’s appropriate for their own library, why on Earth would it not be appropriate for their own students?” said Michael Berry, an attorney with the Liberty Institute.

Officials with Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District released a letter Wednesday, saying the school’s principal will hold an all-staff meeting this week to make sure all employees are aware the Bible is permitted during independent reading time.

“They are letting them read the Hunger Games, that’s kids killing kids, why can’t she read the Bible," said parent Jennifer Muse.

But administrators said they were not certain the incident had happened at all.

The district said in a statement that students are supposed to read books that are “just right” – meaning they are able to read most of the words and comprehend the text, and that the material is appropriate to the subject being taught.

Officials said they would examine whether the Bible met the district’s “just right” criteria.

The Liberty Institute frequently claims instances of discrimination against Christian students by public school employees, which sometimes fall apart under scrutiny.

Watch this video report posted online by KHOU-TV:

[Image: Young girl hugs Bible to chest via Shutterstock]