Riley Gaines Appointed To Tennessee Library Board Amid Controversy Over Trans Book Ban

Riley Gaines, a conservative activist and former collegiate swimmer known for her opposition to transgender participation in women's sports, has been appointed to the Sumner County Library Board in Tennessee. Her appointment shifts the board's majority to conservatives, potentially easing the passage of a controversial policy aimed at banning books with transgender-related content from public libraries. Gaines has publicly criticized the presence of such books in libraries and is aligned with efforts by President Donald Trump and local officials to remove so-called "woke" content from schools and libraries. The appointment received support from local conservative politicians but drew criticism from some community members, including a school board member who expressed disappointment due to Gaines's outspoken views. Gaines also recently joined the Sumner County Commission, further extending her influence in the area. These developments reflect ongoing local cultural and political battles over transgender rights and educational content.