Knox County Schools Bans Alex Haley’s ‘Roots’ Under Tennessee’s Age-Appropriate Materials Act

In May 2026 Knox County Schools placed Alex Haley’s 1976 novel *Roots: The Saga of an American Family* on its banned-book list, removing it from all K–12 library shelves. The decision follows a review under Tennessee’s Age-Appropriate Materials Act, which bars library items containing nudity, sexual abuse, sexual content or “excessive violence.” A passage from chapter 84 was deemed “sadomasochistic abuse,” triggering removal, while classroom use remains permissible if the text appears on a syllabus.

Alternet

Spokesperson Carly Harrington said the district “recognizes the immense historical significance of *Roots*” but removed it “in no way a commentary on its literary value.” Assistant Superintendent Keith Wilson noted the review “does not consider broader themes or historical significance,” focusing on the flagged excerpt. Board attorney David Dupler said the law provides a removal route but no appeal, and he is examining whether the board can devise its own reinstatement process.

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Historian Renee Kesler warned that “history is hard… truth is what sets us free,” urging age-appropriate instruction rather than removal. Alex Haley’s grandson Bill Haley called the decision “incredibly short-sighted and without merit.” PEN America’s Tasslyn Magnusson said banning *Roots* “robs students of a critical connection point as they learn about the world and America’s past.” KCS’s list shows 124 banned titles in May 2026, up from 113 in May 2025, while other local reports cite 119 titles, creating a discrepancy. Other banned titles include *The Handmaid’s Tale*, *Water for Elephants*, and *The Kite Runner*. Tennessee ranks third nationally with over 1,600 banned books in the past year, underscoring the law’s lack of a reinstatement appeal.

The Guardian

Board attorney David Dupler is researching whether the board can establish a reinstatement procedure without violating the AAMA, suggesting possible board action in upcoming meetings.

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• “I feel like this is something that is an injustice to those who have valued this book,” — Rev. John Butler, Board of Education member

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• “The law really defines specific things… and does the material within that text contain passages that deal with those matters that are deemed illegal?” — Keith Wilson, Assistant Superintendent of Academics

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• “incredibly short-sighted and without merit” — Bill Haley, grandson of Alex Haley

The Guardian

• “The decision made to remove Roots from school libraries is in no way a commentary on the literary or cultural value of the novel, but the result of adherence to state law.” — Carly Harrington, KCS spokesperson

The Guardian