Llano County, Texas, December 11, 2025
The U.S. Supreme Court has decided not to hear an appeal regarding the removal of books from public libraries in Llano County, Texas, thereby affirming a lower court’s ruling that deemed the actions constitutional. This decision stems from a 2022 lawsuit concerning the removal of over a dozen books covering themes of sex, race, and gender due to complaints. Critics argue this could signal a troubling trend for free speech and censorship efforts in public libraries.
Austin, Texas
The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal concerning the removal of books from public libraries in Llano County, Texas, effectively upholding a lower court’s decision that such actions do not violate constitutional free speech protections.
The case originated in 2022 when a group of residents in rural Llano County challenged the removal of over a dozen books from the public library. These books addressed themes of sex, race, and gender, as well as topics like flatulence. The local library commission had ordered the removal of these titles after receiving complaints from certain residents. The books included “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent” by Isabel Wilkerson, “They Called Themselves the K.K.K: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group” by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, “In the Night Kitchen” by Maurice Sendak, “It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex and Sexual Health” by Robie H. Harris, and “Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen” by Jazz Jennings, among others.
A federal judge initially ordered the restoration of some of these books to the library shelves in 2023. However, this decision was reversed by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The appeals court ruled that the removal of the books did not infringe upon First Amendment rights, stating that the right to receive information does not extend to public libraries.
The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the case allows the 5th Circuit’s ruling to stand, which has implications for similar actions in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. This decision has been met with criticism from free speech advocates, who argue that it could embolden censorship efforts and undermine the role of public libraries as spaces for free inquiry.
The controversy over book removals in public libraries has been a growing concern across the United States, with debates intensifying over the balance between community standards and the First Amendment rights of individuals to access information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the Llano County book removal case?
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal concerning the removal of books from public libraries in Llano County, Texas, effectively upholding a lower court’s decision that such actions do not violate constitutional free speech protections.
What books were removed from the Llano County public library?
The removed books addressed themes of sex, race, and gender, as well as topics like flatulence. Notable titles included “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent” by Isabel Wilkerson, “They Called Themselves the K.K.K: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group” by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, “In the Night Kitchen” by Maurice Sendak, “It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex and Sexual Health” by Robie H. Harris, and “Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen” by Jazz Jennings.
What was the outcome of the legal proceedings?
A federal judge initially ordered the restoration of some of these books to the library shelves in 2023. However, this decision was reversed by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled that the removal of the books did not infringe upon First Amendment rights. The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear the case allows the 5th Circuit’s ruling to stand in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
How have free speech advocates responded to this decision?
Free speech advocates have criticized the Supreme Court’s decision, arguing that it could embolden censorship efforts and undermine the role of public libraries as spaces for free inquiry. They contend that the ruling erodes fundamental principles of free speech and allows state and local governments to exert ideological control over the public.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Origin | 2022 lawsuit by residents in rural Llano County, Texas, challenging the removal of over a dozen books from public libraries. |
| Books Removed | Titles addressing themes of sex, race, gender, and topics like flatulence, including “Caste” by Isabel Wilkerson and “Being Jazz” by Jazz Jennings. |
| Legal Proceedings | Federal judge ordered restoration of some books in 2023; 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed this decision, ruling no First Amendment violation occurred. |
| Supreme Court’s Role | Declined to hear the case, allowing the 5th Circuit’s ruling to stand in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. |
| Implications | Decision criticized by free speech advocates, raising concerns about potential emboldenment of censorship efforts and impact on public libraries’ role in free inquiry. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hays County Faces Severe Weather and Damage
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
