Rutherford County Schools banned 26 books considered obscene so far this year, including 25 since Feb. 21.
The banned books include eight by best-selling author Sarah J. Maas after the fantasy fiction writer made a Feb. 7 national TV appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”
Rutherford County Library Alliance founder Tiffany Fee contends the book removal is taking place without due process and transparency starting with the materials review committee of school librarians, principals, teachers and parents.
“Those books should still be in the library,” Fee said.
The book removal started Aug. 29 with “Flamer” by Mike Curato (a young adult graphic novel that explores sexual identity) based on a Murfreesboro community decency standards ordinance approved June 2023, according to the Rutherford County Schools Library Services webpage .
“It’s setting us up for lawsuits,” Fee said.
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