Tennessee library director ousted after refusing to remove LGBTQ books
WPLN News • • nation
Key Points:
- Luanne James, executive director of the Rutherford County Library System, was fired after refusing to move over 100 LGBTQ-themed books from the children's section to the adult section, citing discrimination and censorship concerns.
- The library board's decision sparked a heated public meeting with hundreds attending, where supporters of James condemned the book removals as an attempt to erase marginalized groups, especially queer children.
- Controversy surrounds board chair Cody York, who allegedly instructed James to track patrons who checked out LGBTQ books, a claim he denies; the ACLU of Tennessee backed James, warning against the broader impact of such censorship.
- The book removal directive aligns with a 2025 state mandate to review children’s books for "age-appropriateness" under an executive order linked to opposing "gender ideology extremism."
- The board voted 8-3 to terminate James, prompting protests from her supporters who vowed to oppose York and the library board’s actions.
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