Tennessee Librarian Fired For Refusing To Move LGBTQ Books

Rutherford County Library Board voted to terminate director Luanne James over her stance against relocating children's books.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 7:54pm

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A realistic oil painting depicting a lone library book cart filled with books, with warm sunlight streaming in through a window and casting deep shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the weight of the censorship debate.The firing of a Tennessee librarian for refusing to censor LGBTQ books casts a somber light on the ongoing national debate over library content and censorship.Murfreesboro Today

The Rutherford County Library Board in Tennessee voted 8-3 to fire library system director Luanne James for refusing to comply with the board's decision to move more than 100 LGBTQ-themed books from the children's section to the adult section of county libraries. James argued the relocation would violate free speech rights and her professional obligation against viewpoint discrimination.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing national debate over library content, particularly around LGBTQ and racial themes, with some communities seeking to restrict access to certain books. The firing of the librarian for refusing to comply with the board's directive establishes Rutherford County as a new flashpoint in this ideological battle.

The details

The Rutherford County Library Board voted to relocate the LGBTQ books, claiming they promote 'gender confusion.' Library director Luanne James refused to move the books, stating it would violate free speech rights and her professional duty. After James maintained her stance, the board voted to terminate her employment.

  • On March 16, the Rutherford County Library Board voted to relocate over 100 LGBTQ books from the children's section to the adult section.
  • On March 18, James emailed the board saying she would not move the books as directed.
  • On March 27, the Rutherford County Library Board voted 8-3 to fire Luanne James as library system director.

The players

Luanne James

The former library system director for Rutherford County, Tennessee who was fired for refusing to relocate LGBTQ-themed books from the children's section to the adult section of county libraries.

Cody York

The chairman of the Rutherford County Library Board who stated that telling children, particularly those going through puberty, that boys can be girls and girls can be boys is 'dangerous and inaccurate.'

Caleb Tidwell

A Rutherford County school board member who spoke in favor of moving the LGBTQ books out of the children's section, saying 'Follow the law. Protect the children. Hold the line.'

Kasey Meehan

The director of the Freedom to Read program for PEN America, an organization that advocates for freedom of expression, who said James' story will be 'emblematic of the fight against censorship and suppression.'

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What they’re saying

“I stand by my decision and I will not change my mind.”

— Luanne James, Former Library System Director

“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.”

— Luanne James, Former Library System Director

“Follow the law. Protect the children. Hold the line.”

— Caleb Tidwell, Rutherford County School Board Member

What’s next

The former library director, Luanne James, is considering legal action against the Rutherford County Library Board for what she believes was an unlawful act of viewpoint discrimination.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing national debate over library content, particularly around LGBTQ and racial themes, with some communities seeking to restrict access to certain books. The firing of the librarian for refusing to comply with the board's directive establishes Rutherford County as a new flashpoint in this ideological battle, raising questions about free speech, censorship, and the role of public libraries.