CYPRESS, Texas (KHOU) -- The family of a 2nd grade student at Hamilton Elementary says their daughter's book of choice – the Bible – was an issue of concern for her teacher, and that two weeks ago, during a "read to myself" time, the girl's teacher took her Bible away.
The family did not go to the school's principal, instead, reaching out to the Liberty Institute, to convey its concerns to Cy-Fair ISD.
The family wants to remain anonymous, fearing retaliation.
Michael Berry, senior counsel with the Liberty Institute, says 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.
But one parent KHOU spoke with, says 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.
