Knox County Schools in Tennessee has made the controversial decision to ban the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel 'Roots: The Saga of an American Family' by Alex Haley, citing a specific passage in chapter 84 as inappropriate for students. The ban is in accordance with the Age-Appropriate Materials Act, which has contributed to a significant increase in book bans across the state. Carly Harrington, a spokesperson for the district, emphasized that the decision is not a commentary on the novel's literary or cultural significance but rather a legal compliance issue. The review committee determined that the content of the chapter met the legal threshold for 'sadomasochistic abuse' as defined by state law. Harrington clarified that despite the ban, 'Roots' may still be utilized in Advanced Placement (AP) or Dual Enrollment English classes if it is included in the course syllabus. Since the law's enactment, Tennessee has seen a rise in book bans, ranking third in the nation. Published in 1976, 'Roots' chronicles the story of Kunta Kinte, an African warrior sold into slavery, and has sold millions of copies worldwide, along with a successful miniseries adaptation.