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Flamer

by Mike Curato

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Under Legal ChallengeA lawsuit has been filed challenging this ban or the law behind it.

Ban Details

Jurisdiction
Harford County Public Schools, MD
Type
school district · school
Stated Reason
Challenged for LGBTQ+ content. Returned to HCPS libraries per Maryland State Board of Education, Spring 2025.
Categories
LGBTQ+ Themes
Key Dates
Reported: Jan 1, 2024Effective: Mar 1, 2025
Verification
Verified by HCPS Reconsideration Status page on Apr 11, 2026

Timeline

ChallengedA formal challenge has been filed requesting the book's removal.

HCPS board votes to remove Flamer from school libraries after parent appeal, overriding committee recommendation to retain. First book removed under new district challenge process.

ReinstatedThe book was previously removed but has been returned to shelves.

Maryland State Board of Education reverses HCPS decision, orders Flamer returned to secondary school libraries. First state-level reversal of a local book ban in Maryland.

Under Legal ChallengeA lawsuit has been filed challenging this ban or the law behind it.

HCPS board votes 5-2 to appeal state ruling to Harford County Circuit Court, despite counsel advising less than 20% chance of winning.

Sources