KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Knox County Schools has reversed its decision to remove the Pulitzer Prize–winning novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family from library shelves.
District officials had banned the book earlier this month under Tennessee’s Age-Appropriate Materials Act, citing a flagged passage that fell under definitions in state code. The law requires schools to evaluate only specific challenged sections, not the overall historical or literary value of a work.
In a memo to the Board of Education, Superintendent Jon Rysewyk announced the book will return to circulation immediately. He emphasized the original decision was not a reflection of the novel’s significance, calling book removal a serious step and saying the district will aim to prioritize access.
The decision to remove Roots drew criticism, particularly in Knoxville, where author Alex Haley is honored with a prominent statue in Haley Heritage Square.
School leaders say more discussion on how the law will be applied is expected during a June 1 work session.
Full memo:
MEMORANDUM
TO: Chair and Members
Knox County Board of Education
FROM: Dr. Jon Rysewyk, Superintendent
DATE: May 26, 2026
RE: Roots Decision
I am writing to inform you that I have made the decision to return Roots by Alex Haley to
circulation in KCS school libraries–effective immediately.
The initial decision to remove Roots from circulation was in no way a commentary on the
historical, cultural, or literary value of the novel. Under state law–specifically the Age-Appropriate
Materials Act (AAMA)–districts are obligated to restrict library access to material or content
deemed inappropriate under the statutes listed in T.C.A. § 49-6-3803. As you know, a passage of
Roots was recently elevated to our district review committee to assess the potential presence of
content deemed inappropriate under the law.
While I firmly believe the the district review committee applied the parameters established in the
AAMA consistently and in good faith—using the same process they have applied to every book
reviewed under the guidelines of the 2024 amendment—the May 12, 2026 determination to
remove Roots has weighed heavily on me, as I know it has on many members of our community.
On Friday, May 15, our senior staff shared that we planned to work with the Law Department to
determine what options, if any, might be available for reconsideration under state law. I also spent
last week consulting independently with a number of attorneys to review the content identified
for AAMA consideration. The goal of these conversations was to broaden my perspective and
understanding of the law, and specifically its application to Roots.
Like our staff, the legal experts I consulted with have wrestled seriously with this question. The
AAMA requires staff to apply the criminal definitions for “nudity, descriptions or depictions of
sexual excitement, sexual conduct, excess violence, or sadomasochistic abuse” as defined in
T.C.A. § 39-17-901 when evaluating the appropriateness of a book for library circulation. While the
definitions provided appear straightforward in nature, there were discrepancies even among the
legal experts I consulted regarding their interpretation of the relevant sections of the Tennessee
Code and the referenced terms as they applied to Roots.
Removing any book from circulation is–and should be–an immense decision. Our intent will
always be to err on the side of access, which is the decision I have made with regard to Roots.
This has been a complex and layered decision. As a result, staff will be prepared to present at the
June 1 Board Work Session on the AAMA and how the law has and will be applied moving
forward.
In the meantime, I want to remind you that there are multiple opportunities available to parents or
guardians–as well as members of the Knox County community–who may have concerns
regarding library materials. Board Policy I-212 outlines the process through which books may be
formally challenged, regardless of AAMA considerations. Our school librarians also work closely
with parents and guardians, and are always willing to make student-specific accommodations
regarding access to books or materials in school libraries.
Finally, I want to express my appreciation to you and to the Knox County community for
participating in this important conversation. Decisions like these should always be made with
gravity and intentionality, and that is exactly what this opportunity has provided.
