In Somerset County, Maryland, a new school policy has sparked a legal dispute over how books are categorized for students. The policy, adopted on August 18, redefines "Young Adult" as individuals aged approximately 18 to 23 years, while those under 18 are classified as "children." This change has raised concerns that books meant for teenagers, such as Anne Frank's Diary and To Kill a Mockingbird, might no longer be available to minors. The policy was immediately suspended for 60 days by the state and is now the subject of a lawsuit under the Freedom to Read Act and the First Amendment, filed by the ACLU of Maryland and the Maryland State Education Association. The lawsuit argues that the policy would exclude an entire category of books intended for adolescents from general access, without evaluating each book individually. The measure requires that no book be removed from a school library without the board being informed and voting by majority. It also mandates that the superintendent take disciplinary action for "insubordination" if materials deemed adult or inappropriate remain accessible to minors after cataloging. The policy adds that all resources must support the mission, educational philosophy, and "beliefs and values" approved by the Somerset County Board of Education. The Somerset County Board of Education denies that its regulation has been interpreted in a way that would remove books. The board says no documents have been removed under this policy and that Policy 500-19 "does not ban books such as Harry Potter," nor classic works with educational value. It also claims that the policy does not prevent teenagers from reading books appropriate for their age. The board notes that it has authorized the purchase of more than 1,071 new books, selected by professionals from the school network. The legal challenge seeks to cancel Policy 500-19 and keep its suspension in place until the final decision. Carey Wright, State Superintendent of Schools, had already paused the policy's implementation on August 20 for 60 days to maintain the status quo during the review of its compliance with applicable law, including the Freedom to Read Act. At this point, the Maryland State Board of Education must decide between the two interpretations of the policy.