Former Wyoming librarian Terri Lesley, who was terminated from her position in Campbell County after refusing to censor books with 2SLGBTQ+ themes, has reached a $700,000 settlement in her lawsuit over her dismissal. Lesley expressed relief over the outcome, hoping it serves as a deterrent to those opposing library materials and free speech rights. Although the county denied Lesley’s claims, stating her firing was due to performance issues, the settlement does not imply admission of any allegations.
The controversy began in 2021 when Lesley’s library highlighted its 2SLBGTQ+ collection on Facebook for Pride month, leading to a surge in complaints and book challenges. Lesley faced backlash for retaining books like “This Book is Gay” and “Sex is a Funny Word,” which were targeted for their sexual and LGBTQ content. Despite efforts to educate the community about the importance of diverse materials in libraries, Lesley was ultimately let go in 2023.
Lesley’s case reflects a broader trend of book challenges in libraries across the U.S. and Canada, with the American Library Association reporting a significant increase in censorship demands, particularly related to LGBTQIA+ content and social justice themes. Lesley’s legal team aims for her settlement to reinforce the protection of free expression and anti-discrimination values in public institutions, emphasizing the importance of upholding constitutional obligations in such cases.
