Residents debate library book reviews and school-choice scholarships during Anderson County public comment

Multiple residents used the commission's public-comment period to press the county on library book reviews and to debate the state's Education Freedom Scholarship program.

A resident who did not give their name told the commission that community members had been recruited to review library books and asked whether the decision was made in a public meeting, citing the Tennessee Open Meetings Act and asking the commission to hold the library board accountable for any improper decision-making.

Nathan Mullins of Oak Ridge framed the book issue as "parental sovereignty," saying parents seek to protect minors and that the matter should not be framed as homophobia. Other commenters, including Penelopey Oakridge and Jean Luke Fatbear, defended the state scholarship program and urged the county to avoid rhetoric that marginalizes scholarship recipients; one speaker noted state Department of Education achievement percentages and argued families deserve representation regardless of schooling choices.

Commissioners did not take formal action on library review procedures during the meeting; staff and commissioners suggested the matter could be pursued in committee if citizens want formal review or records follow-up. The public comments highlighted the continuing local friction around library materials and education policy, and multiple speakers asked the commission to consider transparency and parent engagement in any future actions.