The Next Chapter-Read It Here

On March 31, 2026, Luanne James, the executive director of the Rutherford County Library System in Tennessee, was fired after she refused a board order to relocate over 100 children's books with LGBTQ+ themes to the adult section. James condemned the order as discrimination and censorship.

Some Back Story:

• The Standoff: James previously accused board chair Cody York of ordering her to compile personal data on patrons who checked out LGBTQ+ books, a claim York denies. The ACLU of Tennessee backed James' resistance.

• The Mandate: The board's actions follow an October 2025 directive from Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett for libraries to review children's books to comply with a federal executive order regarding gender ideology.

• The Public Outcry: During a tense packed courthouse meeting, the community split. Opponents of the ban argued it targets and erases vulnerable queer children. Supporters of the firing argued the books are harmful and that James failed to distinguish good from wicked.

  
  

The library board ultimately voted 8–3 to terminate James, who stated she stood firmly by her position. Following her termination, a crowdfunding campaign raised over $127,000 in just one week to support her family and legal fees.

You can read more about Luann and this 1st Amendement issue here.