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Tennessee librarian fired for refusing to move LGBTQ books from children’s to adult section
The board voted 8-3 after James refused to move 132 LGBTQ-themed titles, citing First Amendment protections and accusing officials of 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.
48 Articles
48 Articles
Tennessee Library Director Fired for Refusing to Relocate LGBTQ+ Children’s Books to Library System’s Adult Section
A Tennessee library director was fired on March 30 for refusing to relocate over 100 LGBTQ+ children’s books to the system’s adult section. Dr. Luanne James, a director for Rutherford County Library System, refused to comply with orders to move the books, stating, “doing so would violate the First Amendment right of all citizens of Rutherford County and myself."
Rutherford County Library Board Holds Director Accountable In Book Access Dispute
Image Credit: Rutherford County Library System Submitted by Connor B. – MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The Rutherford County Library Board voted 8-3 Monday night to terminate Library Director Dr. Luanne James after she refused to carry out a directive to relocate 132 books — many with LGBTQ+ themes and other sensitive topics — from the children’s and youth sections to the adult section. Rutherford County Library Director Faces Termination After Refusing…
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