Wyoming library Director Receives $700,000 Settlement After Firing Over LGBTQ+ Book dispute
GILLETTE, Wyo. – Former Campbell County Public Library Director Darla Lesley has won a $700,000 settlement in a federal lawsuit alleging her First Amendment rights were violated after she was fired amid controversy over books with LGBTQ+ themes. The settlement was reached with Campbell County, its commission, and its library board.
Lesley claimed public officials sided with residents objecting to the books and, as a result, created a opposed work environment that ultimately led to her termination. The lawsuit alleged she was fired for refusing to remove books challenged for their LGBTQ+ content and for engaging with and supporting LGBTQ+ individuals’ access to library services.
The books at the center of the dispute included “This Book is Gay” by Juno Dawson, “How Do You Make a Baby” by Anna Fiske, “Doing It” by Hannah Witton, “Sex is a Funny Word” by Corey Silverberg, and “Dating and sex: A Guide for the 21st Century Teen Boy” by Andrew P. Smiler.
Campbell County had denied Lesley’s claims, arguing her dismissal was based solely on her performance. Attorneys for the county, Patrick holscher and Nathan Henkes, did not promptly respond to requests for comment.
Lesley had previously criticized the library board for a lack of clarity regarding which books they wanted removed, stating, “The board flatly refused to tell me which books they think shoudl be moved even when I’ve questioned them…They are the ultimate authority on all that goes on at the library,” according to reporting by Wyoming Public Radio.
“We hope at least that it sends a message to other library districts,other states,other counties,that the First Amendment is alive and strong and that our values against discrimination also remain alive and strong,” said Lesley’s attorney,Iris Halpern of Rathod Mohamedbhai.
As part of the settlement, Lesley is dropping her lawsuit against the county. However, a seperate lawsuit she filed against three individuals who contested the books will continue. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission authorized the lawsuit against the county officials following an earlier complaint filed by Lesley.
