Court Update

January 30, 2024

I have both good news and bad news about my court case. The bad news is that my appeal to the First Circuit was denied. The good news is the way it was denied. Basically, it was denied on a jurisdictional defect (technicality) by two judges. The third judge dissented and stated, “I believe this court has jurisdiction over the matter and we should hear the appeal.” The merits of the case were not decided upon. After discussion with my attorney, family, and friends, we have decided to move forward and re-petition the First Circuit Court of Appeals to have my case heard by a full panel of judges. I am confident that justice will eventually prevail. Should I be wrong, and we are denied all the way to the Louisiana Supreme Court, I will hold my head up high knowing I did all that I could do. I am committed to going the full distance.

See full court judgment: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N_3Zx3I0GvU9kUNSgcbeh8KsMQpRToJD/view?usp=sharing.

 
I recently read an article in American Libraries in which author George M Johnson stated, “This fight has chosen me. There comes a point in time where sometimes these fights choose us, and we have to be ready for the challenge.” This really resonated with me. All I did was give a censorship speech at my public library. Two men decided to spread lies about what I said and did, and this is not okay. We should all be able to voice our opinions about censorship at public meetings without being falsely accused of advocating for anal sex to 11 year olds and giving erotica to 6 year olds. I didn’t choose to be in this position, but I have the means and support to take a stand and see it through to the end, and that is all because of you.

 The outpouring of support continues to be humbling. I hope to lead by example and inspire others to speak out. Being bullied online has really made me think about what our kids face online each and every day. The danger is not in books and the library. The danger is in the palms of their hands. I am committed to entering a new era in my career to help provide students, educators, parents, and community members with the resources to help our children stay safe online and know what to do when they themselves are bullied on the internet. I’m finding ways to use this experience to enact real change and to make lemonade out of lemons. I recently wrote an article for School Library Journal on this topic, and also discussed it on the School Library Learning Network podcast.

Article: https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/story/2021-School-Librarian-of-the-Year-Amanda-Jones-Creates-lesson-about-navigating-social-media

Podcast: https://sllnpodcast.libsyn.com/the-dangers-in-their-hands-navigating-social-media-with-amanda-jones

What I have learned is that empathy is lacking in a lot of people in our country. I feel sorry for people who choose hate over kindness. The hatefulness shown online and at public meetings towards authors, librarians, and advocates for intellectual freedom is disheartening. I was recently inspired by librarian Mychal Threets for his show of compassion towards people who were targeting him online. His story is a lesson for us all. We cannot fight hate with hate. I will continue to pray for the people who have chosen to target me. The children are watching our reactions and I want to set a good example.

Article about Mychal Threets: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2024/01/10/librarian-tiktok-twitter-mychal-threets/

In closing, we had a win this past week in our public library system (see library update). I had a loss in court. Such is life. I am proud of standing up for myself, students, authors, educators, and librarians. My attorney will be filing paperwork to continue this fight in court and she is fierce. I’m not done yet. Onwards!