Since the late 1900s, education has become an increasingly controversial issue in West Virginia. Much of it dates to the 1974 conflict over the adoption of new language arts textbooks in Kanawha County. School board member Alice Moore (pictured), supported by many ministers, opposed some books for being immoral and indecent. Despite protests and petitions, the board approved most of the books.

During this period, anger grew, especially in rural areas. Parents boycotted schools, miners went on strike, and protests turned violent on both sides of the issue. Schools were bombed, homes and cars attacked, and people arrested. The board tried compromises, like temporarily closing schools, removing the books, or limiting access, but protests continued.

In December, policies were changed to include parents in choosing textbooks. Protests faded by 1977, but the event showed how deeply education and values can divide communities.