Plano Putting Textbook Back In Classroom

PLANO (CBSDFW.COM) - A flap over textbooks featuring images of works of art someone deemed inappropriate for teenagers eyes has been reversed.

9th & 10th grade students in Plano ISD will soon have the humanities textbook, featuring images of such works as Michelangelo's David, back in the classroom following a district decision to remove the books from the classroom.

Concerns were raised by parents over images of art that showed genitalia.  The book, "Culture and Values: A Survey of the Humanities, Alternate Volume," used for the district's gifted and talented classes.

District spokeswoman Lesley Range-Stanton said by email Monday that "the initial decision to remove one of the three humanities textbooks from our high schools has been reversed."

She said the school district's curriculum department had first decided to replace the book after a parent raised concerns. The textbook was scheduled to be replaced with what the district called 'alternative resources."

The original decision sparked a campaign against perceived district censorship.  Facebook groups set up to protest the move celebrated the news today, claiming victory.

Jim Hirsch of the Plano ISD spoke with 1080 KRLD: