KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — The Knox County Board of Education has approved a proposal establishing a formal process for reviewing complaints about books that may violate Tennessee’s Age-Appropriate Materials Act.
The newly approved procedure creates a step-by-step system for individuals seeking to challenge books available in Knox County Schools libraries.
Under the policy, anyone requesting a review of a book must submit a formal written complaint. The request must identify the specific material being challenged, cite the content in question, and include the complainant’s signature.
Once submitted, the complaint will be reviewed by a district-level committee made up of educators, parents, and a school board representative. The committee will evaluate the concerns and prepare a written recommendation for the Knox County Board of Education.
Board members will then review the recommendation and consider any action during a scheduled voting meeting.
The approval comes as Knox County Schools continues to navigate a growing number of book challenges. District officials reported last month that more than 120 books are currently under review.
The issue gained statewide attention earlier this year when Knox County Schools removed “Roots: The Saga of an American Family” from school library shelves before later reversing that decision. During its June meeting, the board also urged Tennessee lawmakers to amend portions of state law governing access to books in school libraries.
In addition to the book review policy, the board is also considering changes that could significantly limit the use of electronic devices by elementary school students and teachers during the school day, including some educational devices.
School officials say the new review process is intended to provide a consistent and transparent method for addressing concerns raised about library materials while complying with state law.
