RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WSMV) – Six books in Rutherford County Schools will soon be taken off of shelves. The district’s school board voted and heard from parents on the topic on Thursday night.
“It doesn’t come as a surprise to me, it’s the times that we live in,” Amber Council, a parent in Rutherford County Schools said. “I have four children, three of which are in the public school that we love, but with that, I know that there’s a lot of struggles with the curriculum that they are supposed to provide.”
County school board member Caleb Tidwell proposed seven books be removed school libraries, over claims that the books contain explicit material, in violation of a state law prohibiting obscenity in schools.
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An ACLU of Tennessee spokesperson said, “It is just not acceptable to ban books in this manner.”
“I think that some of the books that are wanting to be banned from some people is completely understandable, we want to shield, and we want to protect our kids,” Council said.
Tidwell explained to other board members during Thursday’s meeting that these books contain sexually explicit content and must be removed under state law, but while some parents and board members agreed, others believe they’re fighting a losing battle.
“Let’s be real, our kids are hearing it anyway, they’re seeing it anyway, whether you think your child is or isn’t they probably are,” Council said.
Board members voted to remove six out of the seven books in question from Rutherford County School libraries, “Skin and Bones” was the only book kept.
The ACLU of Tennessee also sent out at statement following the vote.
“A vocal minority of people are speaking for all Rutherford County parents by banning books that address LGBTQ+ rights, race and racism, and other marginalized identities as part of a coordinated attack on inclusive education. Rutherford County students will pay the price and be at a significant disadvantage compared to their peers across the state and the U.S. who have access to these materials and are developing the critical thinking skills needed for college and beyond. We know that the right to free expression includes the freedom to read free from viewpoint-based censorship, and we will continue to push for a state where all students have the freedom to learn without bias.”
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