Rutherford County school board banned four books due to content concerns, while keeping three others, amidst debates on intellectual freedom.

In one of Tennessee’s book banning hot spots, Rutherford County’s school board votes to remove six books from high school libraries, citing “sexually explicit” content.

The Rutherford County School board deemed the content of several books “sexually explicit” and called for their removal from library shelves. The debate came after a state law took effect that prohibits books and materials with references to sexual content and excess violence in public school libraries.

The potential ban sparked debate and argument from some parents in the county and the ACLU of Tennessee, who are now raising questions about free speech and students’ rights.

A recent survey of members of the Tennessee Association of School Librarians found that more than 1,100 titles have been removed under the changes, with more under review. One librarian anonymously reported pulling 300 titles at a single school since the start of the academic year. Only a sixth of the organization's members responded to the survey.

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,

The Rutherford County school board voted Thursday to remove six of seven questioned titles from school library shelves. These books, including a Pulitzer Prize winner, join 29 titles banned by Rutherford County Schools during the 2023-2024 school year.

The American Civil Liberties Union warned Rutherford County school officials to not remove "Beloved" and other books from campus libraries.