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Following debate over LGBT display, Temple library develops new policy

After much argument among community members, the actual decision was quite anticlimactic.

The Temple Public Library Board voted unanimously Monday morning to adopt a new display policy that could prevent another controversy like the one stirred in the months following a June 2017 Pride Month display.

That display included a poster that said "Be inspired. Celebrate Pride Month." Some time after that was posted, opponents and supporters of the display began butting heads on social media, during meetings and through separate petitions.

The debate continued Monday during the board meeting, where speakers argued if the library should have any displays related to LGBT issues.

In the end, the board's new policy does not directly answer the LGBT question. But, it does lay out the criteria the library will use for making decisions about what to display in the future. Simply having written guidelines could lessen the level of outrage that arose out of the LGBT display matter.

Among the criteria to be considered when approving future displays, librarians will think about current events, audience suitability and historical relevance. In order for a display to be posted, the guidelines say the signage should clearly state the display's theme, the display should not promote any specific cause, and the display should represent a wide variety of viewpoints.

The Library Director will have final approval over all displays, and the other librarians are expected to consult with the director when developing display themes.

The policy was met with mixed reaction from the community members in attendance at the meeting.

"Now they're going to have oversight, scrutiny that could possibly cause them to self-censor, and although it doesn't say anything about self-censorship outright, we know what happens," said Irene Andrews.

Some thought the policy was too vague.

"I would have wanted to see a policy that was more concrete and more definitive in what displays it used because I think those displays can be important and powerful," said community member Brandon Hall.

Others called it a victory for freedom of expression.

"Letting the professionals do their job. The librarians are in touch with what the local community wants and needs," said David Domelsmith.

Marcie Anderson spoke out strongly from a Christian standpoint, denouncing the display.

"I am not satisfied because I think it leans more to the other side. I stood for the Christian side," she said.

Yet others were satisfied.

"The policy will cover what is needed," said community member Milton Hensley.

So, would the LGBT display have made the cut? The library did not say for sure. But, Library Director Leigh Gardner said she hoped the new policy would satisfy people on both sides of the argument, letting them know the library listened to their viewpoints and is trying to address the needs of its patrons.

An updated procedure is also being put in place for patrons to follow when they would like to complain about a particular display.

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