More negative national attention descended upon West Virginia in 1974, when Kanawha County faced major conflicts over new school textbooks. The school board had approved 325 books for students, but board member Alice Moore and others opposed some for what they claimed were immoral or unpatriotic ideas.

Despite protests and petitions, most books were approved. Anger grew, especially in rural areas. Parents kept kids home from school, and protests spread to coal mines and businesses. Violence followed—schools were bombed (pictured), shots fired, and homes attacked.

Extremist groups like the KKK got involved, and local minister Marvin Horan was jailed for planning bombings.

By late 1975, tensions had cooled, but smaller protests continued until 1977.