ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Rockingham County School Board has voted to remove two books from their schools’ libraries.

At this week’s meeting, Superintendent Dr. Larry Shifflett recommended removal for Identical by Ellen Hopkins. Dr. Shifflett stated that the book contains sexually explicit content as defined in RCPS policy IIABA. Hollie Cave made the motion for removal following the Superintendent’s recommendation, and the motion passed 4-0.

Dr. Shifflett made the recommendation to retain Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott. He stated that the book did not contain sexually explicit content as defined by RCPS policy. However, Hollie Cave made the motion to remove the book, as she believed it did contain sexually explicit content as defined by RCPS policy. That motion passed 3-1, with Board Member Jackie Lohr voting no.

Two books will be returning to RCPS high school libraries, Nick and Charlie as well as This Winter, both by Alice Oseman. Dr. Shifflett made the recommendation to retain the books and said they did not contain sexually explicit content as defined by RCPS policy. Hollie Cave made the motion to retain the books to only the high schools. Nick and Charlie was approved to return by a 3-1 vote, with Cave voting no. This Winter was unanimously approved.