Overview

The Redlands Unified School District in Southern California has decided to retain the King James Version of the Bible in its school libraries following a recent vote during a school board meeting. This decision comes after a complaint that brought attention to a new policy allowing the removal of books considered inappropriate for students.

The policy in question mandates that challenged books be temporarily taken off library shelves while a committee reviews their content for suitability. The final decision regarding these books rests with the school board members.

Key details

  • The school board meeting took place on a Tuesday, where the vote to keep the King James Version was held.
  • A complaint led to the discussion about the potential ban of the Bible.
  • The new policy allows for the removal of books deemed inappropriate for students.
  • Books that are challenged will be reviewed by a committee assessing their content and appropriateness.
  • After the review, the final decision on the books is made by RUSD board members.
  • During the meeting, nearly two dozen individuals spoke, and none supported the ban on the Bible.
  • Speakers highlighted a divide in beliefs regarding the policy and its implications.
  • Critics of the policy, including long-time teacher Pat Molnar, expressed concerns about fairness in its implementation.
  • Molnar emphasized the importance of not banning classic literature alongside the Bible.
  • Under the new policy,