Texas County Defends Right to Remove Books on Sex, Gender, and Racism

Llano County officials argue before federal appeals court that curating library collections is protected government speech.

Llano County seeks to keep 17 books off library shelves, citing content on sex, gender identity, and racism.
Library patrons sued in 2022, leading to a preliminary injunction in 2023 to return the books.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is rehearing the case after an earlier split decision on the issue.
Judges questioned whether removing books constitutes viewpoint suppression or legitimate curation.
Books in question include 'Caste' by Isabel Wilkerson and 'Being Jazz' by Jazz Jennings, among others.