The historic Rutherford County Courthouse in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, became the latest battleground in America’s culture war. Over 200 people packed the meeting room. They lined the walls and filled the balcony.

Tension filled the air. The Rutherford County Library board faced a crucial decision about children’s books. Citizens on both sides held signs. Some read, “Leave it on the shelf.” Others showed support for removal.

A crowd waited anxiously as board members debated. The issue at hand? Whether to keep books promoting transgender ideology in libraries where children could access them.

In a decisive 5-3 vote, the library board approved a resolution to “remove material that promotes, encourages, advocates for or normalizes transgenderism or ‘gender confusion’ in minors.”

Supporters erupted in cheers. Opponents shouted “Nazis!” at board members.

Board member Cody York, who introduced the measure, emphasized the county’s obligation to protect its youngest residents. York referenced the growing number of “detransitioners” across America who have sued doctors for performing transgender medical procedures on them.

“The library board is expending money to keep books on the shelf. By just keeping a book we are making a decision to expend funds, taxpayer dollars, to keep those books there,” York said. “Books that promote transgender ideology are harmful to children.”

Let’s be honest – this is exactly why President Donald Trump signed an executive order ensuring the federal government will not promote transgender procedures on children. When adults in positions of authority speak up to protect kids, they deserve our support, not ridicule.

God was gracious last night.

The Rutherford County (TN) library board voted to remove all material that promotes, encourages, advocates for or normalizes transgenderism or "gender confusion" in minors.

I am so grateful to everyone who contributed to this effort. Many prayed,… https://t.co/Ow36crXf02

— Cody York (@codyryanyork) March 18, 2025

Protecting Young Minds From Confusion

Community members who supported the resolution spoke passionately about safeguarding children from content beyond their understanding. One woman named Michelle told the board: “If we cause children to go down this road, they can make decisions they will regret for the rest of their lives.”

“When we expose them to things that they don’t have a level to understand, it’s really sexualizing them,” she continued. “Children, they don’t have a capacity for this.”

You have to wonder why exposing young kids to gender ideology is so important to some people. Isn’t childhood confusing enough without adding more uncertainty about basic biology?

The new policy requires staff at libraries across Rutherford County to flag books promoting transgender ideology to children and turn them over to the board for evaluation. The board also specifically voted to remove a book called “Me & My Dysphoria Monster.”

Opposition Uses Inflammatory Tactics

Those opposed to the resolution didn’t hide their displeasure. Jessica Robertson, who identified herself as the mother of a transgender child, called the board’s actions “deplorable” and claimed it represented “attempted erasure” of her child.

Isn’t it interesting how quickly the “tolerance” crowd resorts to calling people “Nazis”? This kind of inflammatory language shows what we’re really dealing with here – emotional reactions, not rational arguments.

Critics also objected to the board’s terminology. Robertson claimed “the word ‘transgenderism’ is considered derogatory.” She then accused board members of intentionally using it for that reason.

Chris Sanders from Tennessee Equality Project complained that removing books about transgender people abandons the idea of “an informed democracy.” His argument frames book removal as erasing “a whole group of people” rather than protecting children from age-inappropriate content.

Part of a Growing Movement

The Rutherford County resolution follows similar efforts across Tennessee and other conservative states. Tennessee lawmakers have already moved to remove sexually explicit books from school libraries.

What we’re seeing here is more than just a local library policy change. It also signals that communities are taking back control of what children are exposed to in taxpayer-funded institutions.

The vote in Rutherford County shows that when concerned citizens stand firm in defense of children, they can win important victories. Despite vocal opposition and inflammatory accusations, the board prioritized protection over ideology.

Parents across America should take note: local governance still matters. Tennessee has demonstrated that communities can successfully defend traditional values when they organize and speak up for children’s wellbeing.

Key Takeaways:

• Local library boards can successfully defend children from harmful gender ideology despite liberal protests.
• Concerned citizens speaking up at public meetings makes a crucial difference in local governance decisions.
• Tennessee continues to lead the way in protecting children from age-inappropriate content in public institutions.
• Conservative communities can win culture war battles when they organize and stand firm against ideological pressure.

Sources: Daily Wire, Yahoo News