A senior librarian in the US state of Tennessee has been fired after refusing to move more than 100 books from children’s sections, sparking a debate over censorship, free speech and LGBTQ content in public libraries.The Rutherford County Library Board voted 8-3 to remove James after he refused to enforce his directive to move approximately 132 books deemed “age-inappropriate” from the children’s section to adult shelves.The board’s decision followed concerns raised over LGBTQ and social justice topics, with officials arguing that 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 has spent more than 25 years working in public libraries.Over the course of his career, he has secured nearly US$6 million in grants, helping expand access to books, technology and community services, including building upgrades and outreach programs.James openly defied the order, saying it would violate his right to free speech.“I will not follow the board’s decision…to do so would be a violation of the First Amendment,” she said, adding that it would be “government-mandated viewpoint discrimination.”He later described his dismissal as “unlawful” and said that librarians should not be used as tools for political agendas.
GoFundMe launched
Following his eviction, supporters started a GoFundMe campaign to help James and his family cover living expenses.Meanwhile, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has intervened, saying it will assist them in filing a lawsuit against the board alleging viewpoint discrimination.Board Chairman Cody York defended the decision, arguing that some of the ideas about gender identity were not appropriate for children.“When a director refuses to implement a duly adopted board decision, it undermines the governance of the institution,” he said.The controversy highlights the national divide over library content in the US, particularly books dealing with LGBTQ topics and race.