Luanne James, director of the Rutherford County Library System in Tennessee, has drawn national attention after refusing to relocate more than 190 LGBTQ+-themed books from youth sections.
In a letter sent to the library board on 18 March, James argued that moving the titles would constitute “viewpoint discrimination” and breach First Amendment protections, stating: “Therefore, I will not comply.”
The dispute follows a 16 March vote by the board to transfer the books into adult sections as part of a broader review of “age-appropriate” materials, prompted by state-level directives.
Library Board chair Cody York defended the decision, saying the move was intended to limit children’s exposure to content he deems inappropriate.
However, free speech advocates have pushed back, arguing the policy disproportionately targets LGBTQ+ content rather than addressing explicit material more broadly.
James’ stance has placed her role in jeopardy, with board leadership indicating that disciplinary action — including possible termination — is under consideration.
Support for the library director has grown nationwide. PEN America publicly backed James on Friday (20 March), praising her decision as a defence of free expression and access to diverse literature.
“Children and teens deserve access to diverse books that represent their identities and stories,” the organisation said in a statement.
“Luanne James is putting her job on the line to defend the First Amendment rights of all in her community.”
The situation highlights ongoing tensions in the United States over access to LGBTQ+ materials in schools and libraries, as debates over censorship, representation and parental control continue to intensify.
