Texas Supreme Court Declines to Review Free Speech Case Impacting Libraries

Fri Dec 12 2025 17:42:02 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to hear an appeal concerning book removals from Texas libraries has sparked controversy over free speech rights and ideological control.

On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a pivotal case regarding the removal of books from public libraries in Texas, allowing a ruling by a federal appeals court to stand. This decision has stirred debates on free speech rights and government censorship. The case originated from actions taken by local officials in Llano County, Texas, who removed a number of titles from circulation deemed objectionable by certain community groups. Critics argue that the ruling undermines the First Amendment and could lead to wider censorship across the nation.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear an appeal on a Texas free speech case that allowed local officials to remove books deemed objectionable from public libraries.

The case stemmed from a 2022 lawsuit by a group of residents in rural Llano County over the removal from the public library of more than a dozen books dealing with sex, race, and gender themes, as well as humorously touching on topics such as flatulence.

A lower federal appeals court had ruled that removing the books did not violate Constitutional free speech protections.

The case had been closely watched by publishers and librarians across the country. The Supreme Court’s decision to not consider the case was criticized by free speech rights groups.

The Texas case has already been used to ban books in other areas of the country, said Elly Brinkley of PEN America. Brinkley stated, “Leaving the Fifth Circuit’s ruling in place erodes the most elemental principles of free speech and allows state and local governments to exert ideological control over the people with impunity. The government has no place telling people what they can and cannot read.”

Sam Helmick, president of the American Library Association, expressed concern, stating the court’s decision threatens to convert public libraries into centers for ideological indoctrination instead of venues for open inquiry, undermining the First Amendment right to read unfettered by viewpoint-based censorship.

The controversy ignited when residents requested the removal of select books, prompting a legal battle as librarians sought to preserve access to these titles. The debate over censorship continues to affect communities as higher authorities remain divided on the issue.

Books removed included titles like “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent” by Isabel Wilkerson and “Being Jazz: My Life as a (Transgender) Teen” by Jazz Jennings, alongside more light-hearted titles.

The ruling showcases the ongoing struggle over freedom of expression and the nature of public discourse in communities where decisions can influence accessibility to diverse perspectives.