Tennessee: Rutherford County Library Board Fires Director After She Refuses to Relocate 132 Children’s Books

From WTVF:

The Rutherford County Library Board voted in an 8-3 decision to fire library director Dr. Luanne James.

The controversy began when James refused to comply with a board order to relocate 132 children’s books to the adult section of the library. The board recently deemed the books inappropriate, citing LGBTQ+ themes, female empowerment, diversity, witches, and social justice.

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“Librarians should not be used as a filter for political agendas. I stood up for the right to read, standing for the citizens of Rutherford County. I believe my firing is an unlawful act of viewpoint discrimination,” James said in a statement through her attorney. “This action hurts library patrons, not just the librarian.”

Board Chair Cody York declined to comment on why James was fired following Monday night’s special meeting. However, he addressed the situation in a statement last week.

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Internal emails showed some board members raised concerns about legal risks as the situation escalated. Board member Allison Belt urged the board to seek specialized counsel, noting the library system’s insurance may not cover damages if the board is found to have violated the law.

“Our choices on 3/30 will have profound effects on our library system, our county, and our personal wealth,” Belt said.

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Most of the 240-plus people packing the Rutherford County Courthouse in downtown Murfreesboro applauded James and booed the majority of the board.

“Shame on you!” Tatiana Silvas shouted after the majority decision.

Eight of the 10 public comment speakers, including Silvas and Louisa Lamm, supported James. Lamm told the board that placing children’s books in the adult section means they won’t get checked out and could end up being pulled from the shelves like other materials not being checked out.

Two of the speakers, including Rutherford County Board of Education member Caleb Tidwell, spoke to back the majority board decision March 16 to move 132 books to protect children. Tidwell started his speech with a prayer and said the books in question are inappropriate for children.

Additional Coverage From WZTV

See Also: Statement From PEN America

In response to the firing tonight of librarian Luanne James by the Rutherford County, TN Library Board, PEN America issued the following comment from Kasey Meehan, director, Freedom to Read program:

“Tonight Luanne James was voted out of her library director position for refusing to move LGBTQ+ books into the adult section. With a firm: “I will not comply,” Luanne demonstrated her deep commitment to the freedom to read and the principles of librarianship, at a steep cost. Her story will echo from the Courthouse in Murfreesboro, TN, across the county, as emblematic of the fight against censorship and suppression. Along with the many supporters in the audience at tonight’s disciplinary hearing, we at PEN America stand with Luanne.”

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