Summary
The U.S. Supreme Court decided not to hear a case about book removals from a Texas library. The case involved books removed due to themes some found inappropriate. A lower court ruled this action did not violate free speech rights.
Key Facts
- The Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal about removing certain books from a library in Llano County, Texas.
- The case started in 2022 when residents sued to keep more than a dozen books on library shelves.
- The books covered topics like sex, race, and humor, including titles like “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent” and “Larry the Farting Leprechaun.”
- A lower federal appeals court decided that removing these books did not violate Constitutional free speech protections.
- This decision was closely watched by publishers and librarians across the U.S.
- Some people criticized the decision, saying it undermines free speech and allows governments to control what books are available.
- The population of Llano County is about 20,000 and is mostly white and conservative.
- The appeals court stated that removing a book from a library shelf is not the same as banning it.
