A former library director in Central Arkansas is suing Saline County, claiming her termination was an act of political retaliation and a violation of her First Amendment rights.
Lawsuit Challenges County’s Actions
Patty Hector, who led the Saline County Library for seven years, was fired in October 2023 after resisting efforts by local officials to relocate books deemed inappropriate for minors. On Monday, she filed a federal lawsuit against Saline County Judge Matt Brumley and the Saline County Quorum Court, arguing that her dismissal was unconstitutional.
The lawsuit alleges that the county used its authority to silence her opposition to censorship.
Ordinance Paved the Way for Termination
Weeks before Hector’s firing, the county governing body passed an ordinance granting Brumley the authority to remove her. According to the lawsuit, this ordinance was specifically designed to ensure her termination, making it an “unconstitutional bill of attainder”—a legislative act punishing an individual without a trial.
- Hector’s attorneys, Jess Askew of Kutak Rock and John Williams of the ACLU of Arkansas, claim the ordinance unfairly targeted her for speaking out.
- The complaint argues that Hector was dismissed for defending intellectual freedom and opposing censorship efforts in the library.
Seeking Damages and Accountability
Hector’s lawsuit asks the court to declare that her termination and the ordinance enabling it violated her First Amendment rights. She is also seeking:
- Back pay from her firing date to the court’s ruling
- Damages for emotional distress
- Attorney fees and other compensation
ACLU Condemns the Firing
John Williams of the ACLU of Arkansas criticized Hector’s removal, calling it a warning to other public servants.
“This sends a chilling message to those who stand up for their values and the rights of their communities,” he stated in an ACLU press release.
With the lawsuit now in motion, the case could set a significant legal precedent for free speech rights in public institutions.
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