The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal in a free speech case, allowing local officials in a Texas county to keep seventeen books removed from public libraries. These books, dealing with race and LGBTQ+ identity, were deemed objectionable. The lower courts ruling, which sided with the county, will stand. This decision comes amidst a rise in book challenges and removals in public schools and libraries across the U.S., often driven by conservative groups and new state laws. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which applies to Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, had previously rejected arguments that removing the books violated the First Amendment. The court concluded that public library patrons do not have a right to receive information under the First Amendment, suggesting that individuals can still find these books elsewhere. This ongoing debate highlights the complex relationship between local control over library collections and the broader principles of free speech and access to information.

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