West
Wyoming library director receives $700K settlement following LGBTQ books dispute firing
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A former Wyoming library director who was fired amid a community dispute over sexually explicit and LGBTQ-themed books in the children’s section will receive $700,000 in a settlement.
Terri Lesley, who served as executive director of the Campbell County Public Library System in Gillette, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in April 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming alleging she was unlawfully fired in July 2023 for refusing to remove or relocate books with LGBTQ content from the library’s youth sections.
Lesley claimed in her complaint that county officials and library board members aligned themselves with a “book-ban campaign” led by local residents who labeled the books “pornographic.”
“A small fraction of the community espoused openly homophobic, transphobic, and other hateful ideologies,” the lawsuit states. “Instead of rejecting this campaign of fear and hate, defendants aligned themselves with it.”
Terri Lesley, a former library director in Wyoming, filed a federal lawsuit in April alleging discrimination and violation of her civil rights. (Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
EX-WISCONSIN UNIVERSITY DEI STAFFER WINS $265K SETTLEMENT AFTER ALLEGING DISCRIMINATION FOR BEING WHITE
Her suit accuses Campbell County, its Board of Commissioners and the library board, along with individual officials — including former Commissioners Del Shelstad and Colleen Faber — of discrimination, retaliation and conspiracy in violation of her civil and constitutional rights.
The defendants denied the allegations in the lawsuit, saying Lesley’s firing was based on performance issues, according to The Associated Press.
The Campbell County Commissioner’s Office told Fox News Digital a $700,000 settlement was reached through mediation by the county’s insurance company’s attorney. The attorney said no public funds were involved in the payment. They also said the settlement does not constitute an admission of liability and was a practical decision to avoid the substantial legal costs of a federal trial.
“I do feel vindicated,” Lesley told The Associated Press. “It’s been a rough road, but I will never regret standing up for the First Amendment.”
“This Book is Gay,” a novel marketed to teens, includes graphic depictions of gay sex and has frequently been challenged by parents in libraries across the nation. (Juno Dawson; iStock)
MARYLAND HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER AWARDED HALF A MILLION IN DEFAMATION LAWSUIT OVER RACISM ALLEGATION
The dispute dates back to June 2021, when a library Facebook post celebrating Pride Month drew criticism from some residents and Commissioner Shelstad, who objected to promoting LGBTQ+ materials to minors. The conflict intensified after news that a transgender magician had been booked for a children’s program, sparking protests and threats that led to the show’s cancellation.
Frequently challenged LGBTQ books like “This Book Is Gay” by Juno Dawson were among those challenged in Gillette. Others included “How Do You Make a Baby” by Anna Fiske, “Doing It” by Hannah Witton, “Sex is a Funny Word” by Corey Silverberg, and “Dating and Sex: A Guide for the 21st Century Teen Boy” by Andrew P. Smiler, according to The Associated Press.
Lesley repeatedly stated at public library board meetings that removing or relocating the books from the juvenile sections would amount to censorship and was “in violation of the First Amendment,” according to the complaint.
After her firing, Lesley filed a discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, receiving a right-to-sue letter in February 2025.
A Gillette, Wyoming former librarian received a settlement payment after filing a federal lawsuit against Campbell County. (Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
UCLA PAYS BIG SETTLEMENT OVER ‘JEW EXCLUSION ZONE’ DISCRIMINATION CLAIMS FROM STUDENTS
Lesley has also filed a separate, ongoing defamation lawsuit against a local family alleging they helped orchestrate the campaign that led to her dismissal.
The Campbell County Public Library Board did not immediately return a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS APP
Read the full article from Here
What does the Oregon Government Ethics Commission do?
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission is responsible for enforcing Oregon Government Ethics Law, Lobby Regulation Law and Public Meetings Law.
The Oregon Government Ethics Commission voted March 6 to fine Keizer City Councilor Soraida Cross $500 after an investigator found she tried to use her position to avoid a criminal citation.
In a stipulated final order signed by Cross, an OGEC investigator detailed a May 14, 2025, incident in which Cross attempted to call Marion County Sheriff Nick Hunter on his personal cellphone when police responded to a domestic dispute at the home Cross shared with her ex-husband.
During the incident, first reported by Keizertimes, a woman accused Cross of pushing her off a barstool.
Salem Police responded to the 911 call in Keizer to avoid a possible conflict of interest. Video footage obtained by Keizertimes shows Cross telling the officer she is a city councilor, played golf with Keizer Police Chief Andrew Copeland and is friends with Hunter.
The body camera footage was later shared on social media by Marion County Democrats.
Paige Barton, chair for Marion County Democrats, filed a complaint against Cross with the ethics commission.
When Cross told the officer she was a councilor, she attempted to “use her official position to avoid the financial detriment associated with a criminal citation,” according to the order.
The order said Cross “used confidential information in an attempt to obtain a personal gain” when she called Hunter on his personal cellphone to involve him in the Salem Police investigation.
“The personal phone number of Mr. Hunter is not publicly available information, such that any member of the public may contact him when dealing with law enforcement matters,” the order said.
The criminal citation for harassment was forwarded to the Polk County District Attorney’s Office due to a possible conflict of interest. The office declined to prosecute.
Cross told OGEC that she did not willingly or intentionally violate Oregon ethics law.
“She further asserts that she is a victim of domestic violence and that the police were called to her home on May 14, 2025, by her ex-husband as a form of retaliation and that was not the only time,” officials said in the order. “Ms. Cross further contends that on the evening of May 14th, she needed to call her friends, which is why she contacted Marion County Sheriff Nick Hunter whom she called for advice out of fear and there was no malicious intent.”
Commission investigator Daniel Pacheco said in a preliminary investigation that Cross appeared to try to use her position to avoid financial detriment, such as legal fees associated with a criminal charge.
The commission voted 5-0 in October to find a substantial objective basis for believing Cross violated Oregon law. A more in-depth investigation ensued.
In the order, OGEC officials said the results of the investigation pointed to a preponderance of evidence that Cross violated Oregon ethics law.
Cross signed the stipulated final order on Feb. 17, waiving her right to a contested hearing and judicial review. She will pay a $500 civil penalty to settle the matter.
The commission approved accepting the final order in a 6-0 vote with one abstention.
For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-910-6616 or follow on X at @wmwoodworth
Southern Utah shipment is part of the faith’s yearlong celebration of the Declaration of Independence.
(Mark Eddington | The Salt Lake Tribune) Movers load part of a donation of 20,000 pounds of food to Switchpoint’s St. George food pantry by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
Keizer city councilor fined $500 by Oregon ethics commission
Cause determined for plane crash that killed school board president in Chester County
For survivors, Rhode Island clergy abuse report brings vindication and renewed demands
South Dakota: GFP Commission modifies bounty program – focuses on youth trapping and coyote removal
US immigration authorities arrest Spanish-language news reporter in Tennessee
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Appeals court declares DC ban on certain gun magazines unconstitutional
‘No deal with Iran except unconditional surrender,’ Trump says
A dead woman’s key fob and two grisly crime scenes: How the Utah triple-murder suspect was tracked across state lines | CNN
DOJ continues Biden autopen probe despite former president unlikely to face charges
Fact check: Did French border guards mock influencers returning from Dubai amid Iran war?
-
World1 week agoExclusive: DeepSeek withholds latest AI model from US chipmakers including Nvidia, sources say
-
Wisconsin5 days agoSetting sail on iceboats across a frozen lake in Wisconsin
-
Massachusetts3 days agoMassachusetts man awaits word from family in Iran after attacks
-
Massachusetts1 week agoMother and daughter injured in Taunton house explosion
-
Maryland5 days agoAM showers Sunday in Maryland
-
Florida5 days agoFlorida man rescued after being stuck in shoulder-deep mud for days
-
Denver, CO1 week ago10 acres charred, 5 injured in Thornton grass fire, evacuation orders lifted
-
Oregon1 week ago2026 OSAA Oregon Wrestling State Championship Results And Brackets – FloWrestling