Accusations Fly at APLS as Board Moves to Address Gender Identity Issue
Board members clash over moves to bring libraries in line with recent Executive Orders
Tempers flared at last week’s Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) Board meeting when former Board Chair Ron Snider accused current Chair John Wahl and Board member Amy Minton of “boosting your positions off the backs of libraries in this state.” Snider, who was not physically present but joined via phone, cut into Wahl’s report and charged the pair with using the Board as a springboard for political bids — a claim both have denied.
After an hour of divided public comment, including a brief comment by ALPolitics.com’s Dr. Bill Chitwood, the Board voted 5‑1 to start rewriting State rules so they mirror President Donald Trump’s Executive Order withholding federal funds from groups that “promote gender ideology.” Snider cast the lone “no” vote. The change triggers a 45‑day public‑comment window before final adoption can be considered.
“It appears that what we have going on is … one Board member has officially announced she is running for office, and you’re thinking about it,” Snider told Wahl. “I’m afraid the APLS is being used as a platform to boost your positions.” Minton declared for a State Senate seat last month; Wahl has publicly mulled a lieutenant‑governor run.
In a statement to ALPolitics.com, Minton answered Snider by saying:
“While Mr. Snider definitely has his First Amendment right to speak, I can assure him that I have been standing against gender ideology, surgical mutilation and indoctrination of our children beginning over 4 years ago when my daughter came home from medical school with the NIH chart on 73 genders! I assure him and everyone else that THIS is not easy nor a 'political path' for me!! I firmly believe in Genesis 1:27 that God made us male and female. My faith is part of who I am and I do stand on that in everything I do or say.”
The proposed rule would bar books that “promote gender ideology or more than two genders” from children’s and teen shelves. Libraries that refuse could lose state aid. Advocates call the move child‑protection; critics brand it censorship.
Wahl opened the meeting by saying he “hates censorship” and wants children shielded from explicit material. Snider shot back: “You make an eloquent statement that you’re not in favor of censorship, but in fact, the majority of what you have done is censorship.” Applause and groans rippled through the crowd, which was markedly divided on the issue.
The clash caps two years of turbulence. Snider often sided with former APLS director Nancy Pack, who was fired in March over management complaints and her stance on challenged books. “Dr. Pack is being terminated not because of her performance … but due to unfounded allegations made by extremists,” Snider said at the time.
The Board also delayed a decision on restoring funding to Fairhope Public Library, which moved some disputed titles but left others in place. Critics say Fairhope still ignores APLS rules; Wahl wants one more review before any vote.
Once the draft rule is published, written comments will be accepted through early September. A final vote could come as soon as the Board’s fall meeting. If approved, the policy would take effect in late 2025, positioning Alabama’s libraries squarely in the national fight over what kids read — and who decides.
The Board meeting may be viewed in its entirety at the following link: https://apls.webex.com/recordingservice/sites/apls/recording/adb3d49e4548103ebfbd06fe02487b48/playback
It is also available on YouTube, courtesy of The Alabama Channel, and below:
