The Board supports principles of intellectual freedom inherent in the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States and expressed in the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association.  

Educators shall regularly review instructional and library materials by considering the following: 

1. Whether the materials are appropriate for the age and maturity levels of the students who may have access; and
2. Whether the materials are suitable for and consistent with the educational mission of the school.¹  

Because opinions differ, there may be questions concerning some instructional and library materials despite the quality of the selection processes outlined in Board Policies I-211 and I-241.²   

Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) may request in writing to the teacher that a student not be required to read a book, use certain materials, or participate in an activity.  The request should include grounds or basis for exemption.  The teacher should respond in writing with alternative plans.  If the request to the teacher is denied, then a written request may be submitted to the principal.  

No student who is granted such a request shall be penalized academically for his failure to participate in an activity, read a book, or use certain materials.  

A student, a student’s parent or legal guardian, or a school employee may provide feedback regarding one (1) or more of the materials in the library collection or another instructional setting of the student’s or employee’s school. The Board confers responsibility upon school and district administration for evaluating this feedback and rendering a determination, using the administrative procedure outlined in AP-I-212 “Reconsideration of Instructional Materials and Textbooks.”^{1, 2}  

If upon reconsideration the material is determined to be inappropriate for the age and maturity levels of the students who may access the material, or is not suitable for, or consistent with, the educational mission of the school, then the school shall remove the material from student access in the collection or grade level for which it has been deemed inappropriate.¹   

Reconsideration decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Determination on the reconsideration process are to be reported within sixty (60) days from the date on which the feedback was received. The district’s final authority concerning the use of a controversial material shall rest with the Board.  

If a concern cannot be adequately resolved through the district’s local reconsideration procedure, it may be referred to the Tennessee Textbook and Instructional Materials Quality Commission for further action in either of two ways: 

1. If a determination is not made within sixty (60) days from the date on which the feedback was received, the student, parent/guardian, or school employee who submitted the feedback may request the State Commission to evaluate the material.²
2. After a determination has been made, a student, a student’s parent or legal guardian, or employee may request to appeal it to the State Commission within five (5) days of the report of determination.³ 

Legal Reference:

1. T.C.A. § 49-6-3803.
2. T.C.A. § 49-6-3803(e).
3. Tennessee Textbook and Instructional Materials Quality Commission (2023). Retrieved from HERE

Cross References:

• Knox County Board of Education Policy I-211.
• Knox County Board of Education Policy I-241.
• Knox County Schools Administrative Procedure AP-I-212.

Approved as to Legal Form
By Knox County Law Director 8/21/2023
/Gary T. Dupler/Deputy Law Director