A CLUallenges Retaliatory Firing of Saline County Library Director Patty Hector
Former Saline County library director Patty Hector has taken her stand against what she sees as a constitutional overreach by the county authorities. According to recent filings by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arkansas, Hector was unlawfully fired in retaliation for her outspoken opposition to censorship efforts within the library and her refusal to let political pressure dictate its operations.
The Background
Patty Hector, a professional librarian with decades of experience, has been a stalwart defender of the right to read freely. She became a target of censorship advocates in early 2023, when calls to restrict library materials began gaining traction across Arkansas. Despite these pressures, Hector continued to adhere to professional standards and spoke out publicly against efforts to censor books. This included a non-binding resolution passed by the Saline County Quorum Court aimed at removing books from the children’s section.
The County’s Response
In response to Hector’s courageous stance against censorship, the Saline County Quorum Court passed an ordinance in August 2023. This ordinance granted Saline County Judge Matthew Brumley the power to fire library employees. The move was seen by many as an attempt to intimidate and curtail free speech within the library. On October 9, 2023, Judge Brumley exercised this authority to terminate Hector’s employment.
The Lawsuit
The ACLU of Arkansas has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Patty Hector against Saline County Judge Matthew Brumley and Saline County. The lawsuit alleges that Hector was fired in retaliation for her actions, violating her First Amendment rights. It also challenges the constitutionality of the ordinance passed by the Saline County Quorum Court, arguing that it unfairly targeted and punished Hector.
“Standing up against censorship should never cost someone their job,” said John Williams, Legal Director of the ACLU of Arkansas. “Ms. Hector was fired for defending the right to read freely and for refusing to let political pressure dictate the operation of a public library. Retaliation against her for speaking out on these critical issues is not only unconstitutional—it’s an attack on the principles of free expression and access to information that public libraries stand for.”
Patty Hector’s Statement
Hector has been vocal about her commitment to fostering access to diverse perspectives and ensuring that public libraries are places where everyone feels seen and supported. “I’ve spent my career fostering access to diverse perspectives and ensuring that public libraries are places where everyone feels seen and supported,” she said. “I could not stay silent as calls for censorship targeted marginalized communities and undermined our library’s mission. Losing my job was devastating, but I refuse to let these actions go unchallenged.”
The ACLU’s Stand
The lawsuit seeks a declaratory judgment that Hector’s termination violated her constitutional rights, as well as compensatory damages for emotional distress and lost wages. The ACLU is adamant about holding government officials accountable and ensuring that no one is punished for defending the Constitution. “The Defendants’ actions against Ms. Hector send a chilling message to public servants who dare to stand up for their values and the rights of their communities,” Williams added. “This lawsuit is about upholding our democratic principles and protecting free speech.”
Key Points of the Lawsuit
– Violation of First Amendment Rights: The lawsuit alleges that Hector’s termination was in retaliation for her outspoken opposition to censorship efforts, violating her First Amendment rights.
– Ordinance Unconstitutionality: It challenges the constitutionality of the ordinance passed by the Saline County Quorum Court, arguing that it unfairly targeted and punished Hector.
– Compensatory Damages: The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages for emotional distress and lost wages.
– Procedural Objections: It aims to hold government officials accountable for their actions, ensuring that public servants are not punished for defending constitutional rights.
