A Texas school district faced backlash and quickly reversed its decision to remove the Bible from its libraries after state lawmakers clarified the law’s intent. Canyon Independent School District had initially pulled the Bible to comply with House Bill 900, a Republican-backed law banning “sexually explicit” material in school libraries.

Superintendent Dr. Darryl Flusche informed parents that the full text of the Bible was being removed because of certain passages referring to sexual activity. Parents were advised to obtain copies from local churches if their children wished to access the text. The district kept “Bible stories” available in its libraries.

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The decision outraged parents, who voiced their concerns during a school board meeting. “The Bible holds immense value and wisdom for our children,” said Regina Kiehne, a mother of two students. She emphasized that the Bible’s teachings provide comfort and guidance in today’s challenging times.

Texas Rep. Jared Patterson, who sponsored HB 900, criticized the district’s interpretation of the law. “The Bible and other religious texts are explicitly protected under HB 900,” Patterson wrote in a letter to Superintendent Flusche. He called the decision to remove the Bible “wrong” and “likely illegal.”

Following Patterson’s intervention, the district reversed its stance. In a statement, Canyon ISD confirmed that the Bible had been reinstated in all libraries after reevaluating the law’s guidelines. The district reiterated its commitment to compliance while maintaining access to culturally and historically significant materials.

Bible sales have increased by 22% in the U.S. this year compared to the same period in 2023, showcasing its enduring influence as the world’s bestselling book.