Rutherford County Schools under deadline to decide on possible book ban
RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — The countdown is on. Rutherford County Schools has just two more weeks to decide whether to ban seven books.
The debate comes after a state law took effect that prohibits books and materials with references to sexual content and excess violence in public school libraries.
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The books up for discussion are:
“Beloved” by Toni Morrison
“Queen of Shadows” by Sara J. Maas
“Tower of Dawn” by Sara J. Maas
“Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi
“Skin and Bones” by Sherry Shahan
“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky
“Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire
“How is it that thousands of students passed through school with these books on the shelves and yet suffered no ill effects from their presence?” one woman said to the Rutherford County School Board at an August meeting. “Is it because a book nobody ever labeled obscene suddenly became so? No, it’s because the state of Tennessee has decided to start labeling books that aren’t truly obscene or profane with those descriptions.”
During Thursday night’s meeting, the board was reminded they have to make a decision about the books by Sept. 19, according to state law. School leaders have 60 days to review their books or they could face penalties. However, the decision doesn’t come without concern.
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“Walking that line between protecting our children and encouraging them to be independent, morally, and ethically aware adults is the most difficult thing most of us will ever have to do in our life,” one parent said during an August meeting. “Books are one of the ways children explore their world and learn about themselves and the people around them.”
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