Utah Parent: Ban Bible from School Libraries and Classrooms

Utah -- March 24, 2023: A Utah parent has recently requested that the Bible be banned from school
classrooms and libraries under the

Utah Code Ann. § 76-10-1227, which prohibits the dissemination of materials that are harmful to minors.

The parent, who remains anonymous, argues that the Bible contains explicit and violent content that is not appropriate for children to be exposed to. They have stated that their child was traumatized after being exposed to graphic scenes of violence and sexual assault in the Bible during a school lesson.

The request has sparked a heated debate among community members and school officials. Some argue that the Bible is an important piece of literature and a cornerstone of many religions, and should not be censored. Others argue that children should not be exposed to such explicit content, regardless of its religious significance.

The Utah Code Ann. § 76-10-1227 states that material is considered harmful to minors if it is "obscene, pornographic, or harmful to minors." However, the definition of what constitutes "harmful" material is subjective and can vary depending on individual perspectives and beliefs.

It is worth noting that the Bible has been historically studied in many schools and universities as a piece of literature, without any controversy. However, the inclusion of the Bible in school curriculums has also faced challenges in the past, with some arguing that it violates the separation of church and state.

School officials have not yet made a decision regarding the request to ban the Bible from classrooms and libraries. However, they have stated that they are taking the concerns of the parent seriously and are evaluating the situation.

It remains to be seen whether the Bible will be banned from Utah schools, and how the debate will ultimately be resolved.

WNCtimes by Marjorie Farrington