A top librarian in Tennessee has been fired after refusing to move more than 100 books from children’s sections, sparking debate over censorship, free speech and LGBTQ content in public libraries.The Rutherford County Library Board voted 8-3 to remove James after she refused to carry out his directive to move 132 books deemed “age inappropriate” from children’s sections to adult shelves.The board’s decision followed concerns raised over LGBTQ and social justice themes, with officials saying the move was necessary to “protect the innocence of children.”
Who is Luann James?
Luann James served as director of the Rutherford County Library System and spent more than 25 years working in public libraries.Over the course of her career, she has secured nearly $6 million in grants, helping to expand access to books, technology, and community services, including building modernization and outreach programs.
James publicly challenged the order, saying it violated his free speech rights.“I will not abide by the council’s decision…doing so would violate the First Amendment,” she said, adding that it would amount to “government-mandated viewpoint discrimination.”
She later called her firing “illegal” and said librarians should not be used as tools to advance political agendas.
A GoFundMe has been launched
After her removal, supporters launched a GoFundMe campaign to help James and her family cover living expenses.Meanwhile, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) stepped in, saying it would help her file a lawsuit against the council, alleging viewpoint discrimination.Board President Cody York defended the decision, arguing that some ideas about gender identity were inappropriate for children.“When a director refuses to implement a decision duly taken by the board of directors, this undermines the governance of the organization,” he said.This controversy highlights a national divide in the United States over library content, especially books on LGBTQ and race themes.
