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Tennessee librarian fired for refusing to move LGBTQ books from children’s to adult section
The board acted after James refused to move 132 children’s books, while members cited legal risks and viewers split over access and censorship.
- On Monday, March 30, 2026, the Rutherford County Library Board voted 8-3 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to fire Library System Director Luanne James after she refused to relocate 132 children's books to the adult section.
- Citing concerns over 'gender confusion,' the board voted March 16 to move the books, referencing President Donald Trump's executive order on 'gender ideology extremism' as justification for the directive.
- James argued in a letter that relocating the books would "compromise her professional obligation against government-mandated viewpoint discrimination" and violate First Amendment rights. Board Chair Cody York termed her refusal "insubordination."
- Following the vote, deputies escorted James from the meeting as public reaction split sharply—supporters praised her defense of intellectual freedom while others backed the board's action to protect children.
- This case joins a national wave of book challenges; PEN America documented over 22,000 bans since 2021, while a Wyoming library director won a $700,000 settlement after a similar firing.
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Tennessee library director fired for refusing to move LGBTQ books out of kids' section | Fox Wilmington WSFX-TV
close Video ‘The Five’ reveals why the LGBTQ books case will be very important for education “The Five” panelists analyze what rights parents have in the classroom. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The Rutherford County Library Board in Tennessee fired library system Director Dr. Luanne James after she refused to relocate over 100 books from the children’s sections after critics accused them of pushing “gender confusion.” The boar…
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Total News Sources42
Leaning Left13Leaning Right9Center15Last UpdatedBias Distribution41% Center
Bias Distribution
- 41% of the sources are Center
41% Center
L 35%
C 41%
R 24%
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