Legal Battle for the Soul of Our Public Libraries

In a landmark 2025 en banc decision--Little v. Llano County--The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a local government's removal of books from its public libraries (books that the public officials demmed inappropriate for children) was government speech not subject to Free Speech challenges.  The decision gives local governments and school boards carte blanche to remove (and not purchase) books that are inappropriate or harmful to children, and even adults.  Appellate lawyer, Irving City Councilman, and long-time STMS member, Mark Cronenwett, will address the legal and political impacts of the Llano decision, including what policies Llano has allowed the City of Irving to accomplish.

CLE Credit Pending.