Tennessee state law expands book bans in schools, targets LGBTQ+ content and more

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The 2024-2025 school year is just around the corner.

And lawmakers in Tennessee have added new requirements to an existing law that could lead to a ban on more books from school libraries.

Senator Jon Lundberg of Tennessee says…

“There are certain things for certain age groups that they don’t have access to and aren’t allowed to see, especially in public settings.”

The law on age-appropriate materials was already passed in 2022.

Public schools are required to publish a list of their library books online for parents to view.

Like this list from Ooltewah High School:

But in the last session, lawmakers expanded the law to ban books that contain nudity, sexual arousal, sexual conduct or excessive violence.

This also includes books that address the LGBTQ+ community.

According to the Associated Press, this legislation comes amid an ongoing battle by many conservative politicians against school libraries across the United States.

During the debate, Democratic Senator Jeff Yarbro said this could raise the question of whether the Bible should be banned along with the other books mentioned.

But Republican lawmakers say this law is about making books age-appropriate.

“Any parent can say, ‘Hey, I don’t think this book is appropriate for my child,'” says Senator Lundberg. “We’re trying to keep children safe and make sure that what they’re reading and what they’re seeing in public libraries is appropriate for their age.”

According to Senator Lundberg, it is up to the Textbook Commission to determine which books can remain in classrooms and libraries and which cannot.

The law states that school administrators have 60 days to review their books or face penalties.