Event Brief
Knox County Schools remove “Roots,” sparks backlash
Filed: May 16, 2026 at 7:00 AM ET
Summary: Knox County Schools banned Alex Haley’s “Roots” under Tennessee’s age-appropriate materials law, prompting parent and community backlash.
WHO: Knox County Schools; parents and community members; Alex Haley (author)
WHAT: Knox County Schools banned the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “Roots” from classrooms
WHEN: May 15, 2026 at 7:15 PM ET
WHERE: Knox County Schools (Knox County, Tennessee)
WHY: The ban was issued under Tennessee’s Age-Appropriate Materials Act after parents reported concerns about the book’s content.
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