Supreme Court Declines Appeal on Texas Library Book Removal Case

Sat Dec 13 2025 16:25:47 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The U.S. Supreme Court has chosen not to hear a case concerning the removal of books from a Texas public library, sparking criticism from free speech advocates and raising concerns about censorship.

The U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to consider an appeal related to a Texas library's removal of several books on gender and race has reignited discussions on free speech. Local officials had removed a dozen titles deemed objectionable, facing backlash from residents and free speech organizations. Although a federal appeals court supported the removal, critics argue this decision allows for governmental censorship of literature. Such actions in Llano County, Texas, are seen as a disturbing trend with implications for libraries nationwide.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear an appeal regarding a Texas case on free speech that concerns the local government's right to remove books from public libraries.

This case originated from a 2022 lawsuit by residents in Llano County over the removal of over a dozen books focused on themes of sex, race, and gender, alongside humorous titles. A lower federal appeals court ruled that this removal did not violate constitutional free speech protections.

The Supreme Court's choice to avoid the case has drawn criticism from various free speech advocates, who argue this decision threatens the principles of free expression and gives local governments the power to decide what literature is deemed acceptable. Elly Brinkley, a staff attorney with PEN America, remarked, Leaving the Fifth Circuit’s ruling in place erodes the most elemental principles of free speech. The government should not dictate what people can read.

Sam Helmick, president of the American Library Association, voiced that the Supreme Court's inaction could convert public libraries into censorship tools instead of guardians of open inquiry.

The history of the case shows its reach as it has been used to justify book bans in other jurisdictions nationwide. Residents initially requested Llano County officials to take several books out of circulation. The local commission ordered librarians to comply, prompting a group of residents to take legal action to restore the books.

In earlier rulings, a federal judge had mandated that some of the removed titles be returned to the shelves, only for that decision to be overturned by the Fifth Circuit Court. The appeals court indicated that the removal of a book did not constitute a ban and argued that patrons could still access the titles through other means.

The case exposes a broader national trend where free speech in library settings is increasingly under threat as local officials maneuver to control the narratives presented in public spaces. Judge Ron Cunningham of Llano County did not respond to requests for comments regarding the situation.