Bill seeks to shield classroom libraries from Tennessee library law

Nashville State Senator Jeff Yarbro is proposing removing classroom “libraries” from the required book list school districts are required to make available for parents to see.The requirement was an unexpected change for some teachers from Governor Bill Lee’s Age-Appropriate Materials Act that passed last year.The legislation required public school districts to list the materials in their school libraries online and periodically review and evaluate feedback to ensure the collection is appropriate for the age levels of  students who have access to it.“The vast majority of parents believe they should be allowed to see books, curriculum and other items used in the classroom. That’s how I felt about my own kids, and I stand with those parents today,” said Governor Lee in his 2022 State of the State Address.The act faced criticism following a Department of Education memo that said the new law would also apply to teacher’s classrooms instead of just public-school libraries.Senator Yarbro called the initial legislation a ban on books, and he criticized its lack of procedure for reinstating banned materials.  He’s proposing legislation that would exclude the materials a teacher obtains for their classroom from the reporting requirements of the Age-Appropriate Materials Act.“We’re seeking a common sense solution so that teachers aren’t put in the position of potentially running into legal or compliance issues every time they bring a new book to their classroom. That would just be dumb,” said Senator Yabro.The Senate Education Committee will vote on Senator Yarbo’s legislation this Wednesday.