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Murfreesboro Today
By the People, for the People
Tennessee Librarian Fired for Refusing to Remove Books on Gender Identity
Rutherford County Library Board votes to terminate director Luanne James after she declines to comply with order to relocate LGBTQ-themed books
Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:18pm
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The Rutherford County Library Board in Tennessee voted 8-3 to fire the county's library director, Luanne James, after she refused to comply with an order to remove 190 books from the children's section that 'promote gender confusion.' James argued that moving the books to the 'adult' section would violate residents' and her own First Amendment rights.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing debate over censorship and access to information, particularly around LGBTQ-themed content in public libraries. It reflects a broader trend of conservative activists targeting school and public libraries in an effort to restrict materials they deem inappropriate for young readers.
The details
The board members claimed the books 'advocate for [or] encourage the dismembering of healthy sex organs,' echoing common anti-trans rhetoric that has been widely debunked by healthcare professionals. James said moving the books would 'compromise her professional obligation against government-mandated viewpoint discrimination.' The American Library Association and free speech advocates like PEN America have condemned the board's decision as a violation of the First Amendment.
- On April 1, 2026, the Rutherford County Library Board voted 8-3 to fire library director Luanne James.
The players
Luanne James
The former library director of Rutherford County, Tennessee who was fired for refusing to remove LGBTQ-themed books from the children's section.
Cody York
The chairman of the Rutherford County Library Board who claimed the books 'advocate for [or] encourage the dismembering of healthy sex organs.'
Kasey Meehan
The director of the Freedom to Read program for PEN America, which advocates for freedom of expression on behalf of writers.
What they’re saying
“Her story will echo from the Courthouse in Murfreesboro, TN, across the country, as emblematic of the fight against censorship and suppression.”
— Kasey Meehan, Director of the Freedom to Read program for PEN America
“Such books 'advocate for [or] encourage the dismembering of healthy sex organs.'”
— Cody York, Chairman of the Rutherford County Library Board
What’s next
James plans to file a lawsuit challenging the board's decision, arguing it violates her First Amendment rights.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing battle over censorship and access to information in public libraries, with conservative activists increasingly targeting LGBTQ-themed content they deem inappropriate. The firing of Luanne James underscores the high stakes for librarians who refuse to comply with such censorship efforts, which can have significant personal and professional consequences.
