In an email leaked earlier this week by the Christian Post, Canyon Independent School District Superintendent Darryl Flusche announced that under House Bill 900, which was passed by the Texas Legislature in 2023 protecting schools from sexually explicit or vulgar content, the Holy Bible is unsuitable due to "sexually explicit material."
Flusche goes on to put concerned parents' minds at ease, detailing how “there are 30 titles available in Canyon Junior High library that are Bible stories or portions of the Bible.”
“Additionally,” he continues, “if any student would like to have a Bible, we have strong connections with local churches that are happy to donate a Bible 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.”
Flusche concludes the email saying that he “hope[s] our parents share their voice with the legislators concerning HB900.”
Despite Flusche’s best efforts, the email still sparked outrage from local parents, with many unable to understand the decision.
At a school board meeting held on DEcember 9, Canyon ISD parent Regina Kiehne told school officials it "seems absurd to me that the Good Book was thrown out with the bad books."
"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,” she continued.
"It just makes sense to have the Word of God in our school library," she said. "After all, it is the book of wisdom. It is the bestselling book of all time; it is historically accurate, scientifically sound, and most importantly, life-changing."
Supporters of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, like Louisiana state Rep. Dodie Horton, a Republican, believes the commandments' historical and moral value outweighs religious freedom concerns.
Those who advocate for the Bible’s presence in school libraries believe that having access to the Bible supports the development of character, critical thinking and a deeper understanding of history and literature.
