A Texas school district has temporarily pulled the Bible, an adaptation of Anne Frank’s diary and several other books from its libraries after complaints from parents and the community.
“Attached is a list of all books that were challenged last year. By the end of today, I need all books pulled from the library and classrooms,” Keller Independent School District executive curriculum director Jennifer Price wrote in an email to principals Tuesday, according to The Texas Tribune. “Once this has been completed, please email me a confirmation. We need to ensure this action is taken by the end of today.”
The list included all versions of the Bible, an adaption of Anne Frank’s diary and “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison.
Parents, employees and district residents are allowed to formally file objections to books or instructional materials.
Last year, a school district committee made up of members of the public met and recommended that many of the challenged books not be removed. But since then, three new conservative members–Joni Shaw Smith, Sandi Walker, and Micah Young–were elected to the district’s seven-member board of trustees, which could explain the order. All three allegedly received financial contributions from Christian political groups.
All 41 books that are being challenged will be reviewed again by campus staff and librarians to see if they meet a new board policy approved last week,
