The Keller Independent School District (ISD) in northern Texas removed several books, including the Bible, from its school libraries.

At least one person challenged the holy book of Christianity due to its “sexual content, violence including rape, murder, human sacrifice, misogyny, homophobia, discrimination and other inappropriate content.” However, the ISD’s website mentioned that as of Dec. 6, 2021, the parent who questioned the Bible withdrew the challenge.

“After review, [the] book [was] returned to circulation. The book will remain in its current location,” said the district in an Aug. 19 update. All versions of the Bible, which includes the King James Version, were subsequently returned to library shelves.

The Bible’s removal aligned with an instruction by Keller ISD Director of Curriculum Jennifer Price to remove all challenged titles from school libraries.

“By the end of today, I need all books pulled from the library and classrooms,” Price wrote in an Aug. 16 email to principals. “Once this has been completed, please email me a confirmation. We need to ensure this action is taken by the end of today.”

Last year, the Texas Education Agency opened a probe into Keller ISD due to concerns of sexually explicit books being available to children. Concurrently, parents also filed complaints over inappropriate titles in school libraries. (Related: ReFounding America with Dr. Peter Breggin: Americans must educate their children about what they read, says author Deborah DeGroff – Brighteon.TV.)

In response, Keller ISD parents, community members and staff formed a book challenge committee (BCC) to review the flagged titles and decide whether they should remain in classrooms and libraries. BCC meetings were held behind closed doors, and members were asked to sign confidentiality agreements.

Keller ISD Assistant Communications Director Bryce Nieman said school trustees recently approved a new policy that requires every book that was previously challenged to be reconsidered for review. He added that he is unsure about when the re-review process for the challenged books will be completed.

Meanwhile, Keller ISD Associate Superintendent John Allison added that books that meet the new guidelines “will be returned to the libraries as soon as it is confirmed they comply with the new policy.” He continued: “We hope to be able to expedite the process and return eligible books into circulation as soon as possible.”

BCC decisions on challenged books vary

Several books about race and sexuality were also challenged. The committee decided to return the book “The Bluest Eye” by African-American novelist Toni Morrison. The 1970 novel featured a Black protagonist and had themes of rape and incest.

Also challenged was the 2015 novel “Out of Darkness” by Ashley Hope Perez. Set amid the backdrop of the 1937 New London, Texas school explosion, the novel features a love story between a Mexican-American girl and an African-American boy.

“Because of the violence and difficult imagery in this book, the committee recommends that ‘Out of Darkness’ be available in high school libraries only and should only be checked out to students with parental consent,” ruled the committee. “The book will not be available on the open shelves with the other books in the library, but will be visible within the catalog.”

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