A former US library director, dismissed during a contentious dispute over books featuring sexual content and LGBTQ+ themes, is set to receive a significant $700,000 settlement after pursuing legal action against her former employer.
Terri Lesley, who previously led the library system in Campbell County, Wyoming, was terminated in 2023 amid an escalating controversy concerning specific book titles available at the Gillette branch.
Lesley initiated a federal lawsuit against Campbell County, its commission, and the library board, asserting that her dismissal constituted a violation of her First Amendment rights. On October 9, 2025, she reached an agreement with county officials, resulting in the $700,000 compensation.
The county, however, maintained that her termination was strictly related to her job performance and not influenced by the book-related controversy.
Books Challenged Over LGBTQ+ and Sexual Content
The controversy first erupted in 2021 when various community members raised objections to books located on the library’s youth shelves. The challenged titles included This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson, 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.
Residents argued these books were unsuitable for children, specifically pointing to their content on sex education and LGBTQ+ identities. Over the subsequent two years, the dispute intensified, with Campbell County public officials often aligning with the objectors. Despite the pressure, Lesley chose to keep the titles available in the youth section of the library.
Termination and Legal Proceedings
In 2023, the Campbell County Library Board proceeded with Lesley’s termination. Following this, she filed a complaint with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which granted her authorization to proceed with a lawsuit. Her legal claim alleged that her dismissal was a direct act of retaliation for her efforts to uphold constitutional rights to access information and resist censorship.
In response, the county, through court documents, refuted Lesley’s assertions. It consistently argued that her removal stemmed from professional performance issues, not her stance on book censorship. A private attorney, Patrick Holscher, represented the county in the lawsuit, though comments from him and County Attorney Nathan Henkes were not available.
Settlement Reached, Separate Lawsuit Continues
Under the terms of the agreement finalized on October 9, Lesley will withdraw her lawsuit against Campbell County and its governing bodies. Nevertheless, a separate legal case she initiated against three individuals who originally objected to the books remains active.
“I do feel vindicated. It’s been a rough road, but I will never regret standing up for the First Amendment,” Lesley commented, expressing her resolve. Her attorney, Iris Halpern, emphasized the broader implications of the outcome, stating it should serve as a stark reminder to public institutions regarding their constitutional responsibilities.
“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,” Halpern added, underscoring the victory for free speech.
Lesley’s situation is one of several similar cases supported by Halpern’s firm in recent years, involving library employees who faced dismissal amidst conflicts over content and public access.