Overview
- The Rutherford County Library Board, which voted 8–3 on Monday, removed Director Luanne James after she refused to move LGBTQ+ books from children’s shelves to the adult section.
- Board leaders first ordered the relocation on March 16, with Chair Cody York arguing the titles promote what he called “gender confusion” and should not be available to children.
- James rejected the order as unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination and a breach of library ethics, saying the move would limit access and violate the community’s right to read.
- James also alleges York asked her to compile names, addresses, household details, and specific titles checked out by patrons of the targeted books, raising sharp reader‑privacy concerns.
- The fate of more than 100 flagged titles and interim leadership of the system remain unresolved, as PEN America condemns the firing and James says she is exploring legal options.