Hanover Schools has removed more books from its libraries than any other school division in Virginia
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HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Hanover County Public Schools has removed more books from its school libraries since 2020 than any other school division in Virginia, according to a report by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC).
Since July 2020, Hanover Schools has reportedly removed the most book titles -- at 125 -- from its school libraries of any division in the Commonwealth, according to the report.
Rockingham County Public Schools reported removing the second most, at 57, but noted that these removals may be temporary, as they are pending the approval of an updated policy.
The division responsible for removing the third most books was Goochland County Public Schools, with 34 books.
PREVIOUSLY: Hanover School Board discusses proposed changes to library policy
The five divisions that removed the most books accounted for 75% of all removals, according to the report.
JLARC said the main reasons school divisions cited for removing a book were sexually explicit content or local policy.
"Gender Queer: A Memoir," by Maia Kobabe, was most commonly removed from school libraries in Virginia. It follows the journey of Kobabe in exploring their gender identity and sexuality.
Other commonly removed books throughout the Commonwealth included "Tilt" and "Identical," both by Ellen Hopkins. "Tilt" follows the interconnected lives of three teens who navigate pregnancy, sexual health and romance. "Identical" touches on family dynamics and self-destructive behaviors.
Another commonly removed book in Virginia is "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky, which follows the life of a teen navigating friendship, family, sexual assault and mental health.
8News has reached out to Hanover County Public Schools to learn which 125 books it has removed since June of 2020. This story will be updated if and when a response is received.
The full report is available below.
