Librarian Terri Lesley's First Amendment Battle Ends in $700,000 Settlement Over LGBTQ+ Book Dispute

Terri Lesley, the former director of the Campbell County Public Library System in Gillette, Wyoming, has become a national figure in the fight for intellectual freedom and against book censorship. Her high-profile legal battle against the county over her termination concluded with a significant $700,000 settlement, which she sees as a vindication of her defense of the First Amendment.

The dispute began in 2021 when the library marked Pride Month by featuring LGBTQ+-themed books and resources, which drew immediate backlash from a conservative segment of the community and local officials. Critics argued that titles related to sexuality and LGBTQ+ identity, particularly those in the young adult and children's sections, were inappropriate for minors and demanded their removal or relocation. Some of the contested titles included “This Book is Gay” by Juno Dawson and “How Do You Make a Baby” by Anna Fiske.

As the library director, Lesley repeatedly refused to comply with the demands to restrict access to these materials. Her core argument was that removing or censoring the books would violate the First Amendment right to access information and would be a discriminatory act against the LGBTQ+ community.

She upheld the library's professional standards and existing policies, often warning the Library Board and County Commissioners that censorship could expose the county to legal challenges.

The two-year conflict intensified, with Lesley and her staff facing public accusations of "peddling pornography" and criminal activity from some activists. Amid this hostile environment, the American Library Association recognized Lesley's courage, awarding her the John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award in 2022 for her defense of free expression.

The conflict came to a head in July 2023 when the Campbell County Library Board, which by then had a majority of members aligned with the book objectors, voted to terminate Lesley's employment. The county claimed her firing was due to performance issues, a rationale Lesley vehemently disputed.

In response, Lesley filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the county, the commission, and the library board. Her suit alleged that her dismissal was retaliation for her refusal to violate the U.S. Constitution and for defending the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

The case was ultimately resolved in October 2025 with the county agreeing to pay Lesley a $700,000 settlement. While the county did not admit wrongdoing, Lesley and her attorneys heralded the financial outcome as a clear victory against censorship.

"I do feel vindicated," Lesley told The Associated Press following the announcement. "It's been a rough road, but I will never regret standing up for the First Amendment."

Lesley's attorney, Iris Halpern, emphasized the broader impact of the case, adding, "We hope at least that it sends a message to other library districts, other states, other counties, that the First Amendment is alive and strong and that our values against discrimination also remain alive and strong."

The case serves as a powerful reminder of the rising tide of book-banning efforts across the United States and underscores the crucial, often-contested role of librarians as guardians of intellectual freedom and the public's right to read.