A Texas high school student organised a Bible handout on Tuesday following backlash over a February event in which people distributed Qurans and pamphlets about Sharia law and hijabs at a “Why Islam?” table.
Participants in the counter-event handed out Bibles and miniature Jesus figures before school. Some also held signs reading, “Bibles Not Qurans.” According to Fox News Digital, hundreds of Bibles were distributed.
“My listeners and my podcast followers have been saying, 'Why don't you pass out Bibles? Why don't you pass out Bibles?’” Dallas-based radio host Chris Krok, who organised the event, told the outlet. “And so this came together over several months, several weeks of people asking over and over again.”
Krok said he worked with Wylie East student Marco Hunter-Lopez and the 16-year-old’s father to bring attention to the earlier incident.
Texas Congressman Chip Roy later invited the teen to testify on Capitol Hill on May 13 before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitution and Limited Government in a hearing titled, Sharia-Free America.”
Wylie Independent School District said it was aware of the planned Bible distribution. Superintendent Kim Spicer told parents in an email:
"I also want to be clear that Wylie ISD respects the rights of individuals to distribute religious materials in public spaces in accordance with the law, and groups are welcome to make Bibles available to students and families.
“At the same time, district procedures regarding outside groups, visitors, and the distribution of non-school materials on campus will be followed. Any distribution of materials must remain off school property, and if needed, district staff will communicate directly with individuals regarding appropriate options available under district procedures."