Rutherford County Library Director Fired After Refusing to Move LGBTQ Books

The Rutherford County Library Board in Tennessee voted 8-3 on Monday to dismiss library system director Luanne James after she defied an order to relocate over 100 LGBTQ-related books from the children's section to the adult section of county libraries. The board's initial decision to move the books, made on March 16, was justified by concerns expressed by board Chairman Cody York about the impact of such materials on children going through puberty.

James, who has led the county's library system since July 2025 and spent more than 25 years in library administration, notified the board two days after their March vote that she would not comply, citing both First Amendment rights and her professional responsibility against viewpoint discrimination. During Monday’s meeting in Murfreesboro, public reactions were mixed, with audience members alternately cheering and booing as James reiterated her stance in person. Her attorney later read a statement from her, denouncing the firing as "an unlawful act of viewpoint discrimination" and affirming her commitment to the "right to read" for local residents.

The decision places Rutherford County among a growing list of communities nationally grappling with disputes over access to LGBTQ-themed materials in public libraries, a trend reflecting broader debates about censorship and the role of libraries. Notably, PEN America's Kasey Meehan described James’ case as emblematic of the "fight against censorship and suppression."

Local officials, including county school board member Caleb Tidwell, supported the book relocations, citing child protection and compliance with law. The Tennessee Secretary of State's office has previously directed library systems statewide to review youth sections for compliance with federal and state regulations.

As of Tuesday, Luanne James had been officially dismissed and the board’s order to move the books remains in effect. There was no immediate indication of further legal or administrative action following the firing.