Tennessee librarian sacked after refusing to move LGBTQ books

A county librarian in Tennessee has been dismissed after refusing an order to relocate more than 100 LGBTQ‑themed books from the children’s section to the adult shelves. Luanne James, director of the Rutherford County Library System, was removed from her post following an 8–3 vote by the library board on Monday, 30 April. The board claimed the titles promoted so‑called “gender confusion” and should not be readily accessible to younger readers.

James had previously informed board members that she would not comply, arguing that relocating the books would violate both her professional duties and the First Amendment rights of county residents. In a statement read by her solicitor after the vote, she described the decision as “an unlawful act of viewpoint discrimination”. 

The dispute stems from a 16 March decision by the board to move more than 100 LGBTQ‑related titles following a wider “age‑appropriateness review” initiated by state authorities. James formally notified the board two days later that she would not carry out the instruction.

James maintains she acted to protect intellectual freedom and the public’s right to access diverse viewpoints. The board, however, insisted that refusing to execute a duly adopted decision undermined the institution’s governance, leaving them no choice but to terminate her employment.