2nd grader's Bible confiscated by teacher during personal reading time

4/24/2014

HOUSTON, TEXAS -- CNN -- A second grade student at a Houston Elementary School claims her teacher confiscated her Bible during reading time. Now her parents want answers.

The student had chosen to read her Bible during the school's "read to myself" time, but the girl's teacher took her Bible away.

Fearing retaliation, the family would like to stay anonymous. They did not go to the school's principal, but instead to the Liberty Institute to convey its concerns to Cy-Fair ISD.

Michael Berry, senior counsel with the Liberty Institute, said the alleged incident happened about two weeks ago. He added that Hamilton Elementary's library contains copies of the Bible.

"So if it's appropriate for their own library, why on Earth would it not be appropriate for their own students," said Berry.

Parent Jennifer Muse found the news upsetting.

"They are letting them read the Hunger Games, that's kids killing kids, why can't she read the Bible," said Muse.

Another parent said the teacher did the right thing, adding "there should be a definite separation."

The district says it first heard of the concerns through the media.

In a statement, it said that during a student's independent reading time, kids are required to read a book that is "just right," meaning kids can read most of the words, comprehend the text, and that it's appropriate for the genre that is being taught.

Cy-Fair ISD is still trying to figure out if the alleged incident happened, and says if so, it will then look into whether what the student was reading met the district's "just right" criteria.

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