A school district in the Texas Panhandle briefly removed the Bible from its libraries due to the state’s new, controversial book ban law, only to reinstate it after receiving clarification from lawmakers. The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding House Bill 900 (HB900), which aims to restrict sexually explicit materials in public schools.
HB900, also known as the “Restricting Explicit and Adult-Designated Educational Resources (Reader) Act,” took effect in September 2023. The law mandates that library vendors rate materials for explicit content, notify parents about potentially inappropriate books, and remove materials from circulation upon request. Additionally, all library content must align with state educational standards.
The bill, which was sponsored by Representative Jared Patterson, was introduced with the intention of shielding students from explicit content. However, critics argue that it infringes on constitutional freedoms, and the law has already faced multiple legal challenges.
In response to HB900, the Canyon Independent School District (ISD) removed the Bible from its libraries. The district, which serves over 11,000 students in Amarillo and Canyon counties, initially cited the new law’s broad requirements. According to a leaked email from Superintendent Darryl Flusche, HB900 “doesn’t allow numerous books, including the full text of the Bible, to be available in the school library.” The email suggested that students should seek out Bibles through local churches and advised parents to contact lawmakers about their concerns.
The decision to temporarily remove the Bible prompted backlash from parents, local officials, and religious groups. At a school board meeting on December 9, Canyon ISD parent Regina Kiehne expressed her outrage, saying, “It seems absurd to me that the Good Book was thrown out with the bad books.” Kiehne emphasized the Bible’s importance as a “book of wisdom” and “historically accurate” text, adding that it is “life-changing” for many students.
State Senator Kevin Sparks also criticized the district’s decision, calling the Bible’s removal “misguided” in an Instagram post on December 19. Sparks argued that the Bible is neither sexually explicit nor unsuitable for educational purposes, stating that it provides a vital moral framework for students seeking guidance.
Following public outcry, the district reversed its decision and reinstated the Bible in school libraries. On December 19, Canyon ISD issued a statement clarifying that after further discussions with Representative Patterson, they had reevaluated their policy to ensure it adhered to the updated state guidelines. The statement read: “We are pleased to have the Bible available in each of our Canyon ISD libraries.”
This incident underscores a larger movement by conservative groups to exert more parental control over school curricula, a trend that has led to numerous legal battles. In the case of HB900, critics argue that the law’s overbroad language could lead to the removal of classic literary works from school libraries, including Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and even I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. The law’s sweeping nature has sparked concerns that it could further restrict students’ access to a wide range of educational resources.
Legal challenges to HB900 are already underway. Several organizations, including the American Booksellers Association and the Authors Guild, have filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. They argue that the law could limit access to critical works of literature, asserting that the government should not control the dissemination of information in public schools.
While a federal judge has temporarily blocked part of the law requiring vendors to rate materials, the majority of HB900 remains intact. The ongoing legal challenges will likely determine the future of the law and its implications for school libraries across Texas.
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