John Wahl, Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, was elected as the head of the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) board of directors on Thursday. The board, which oversees government funding for libraries, has become a focal point in the state’s ongoing cultural debates. Wahl’s election as chairman was secured by a 4-3 vote, with District 7 member Jerria Martin elected as vice chairwoman. report from AL.com
Wahl’s appointment has drawn criticism from groups like Read Freely Alabama, who accuse him of supporting efforts to ban books related to LGBTQ communities and racial justice. These critics claim Wahl has aligned with organizations like Moms For Liberty and Clean Up Alabama, which assert that libraries are providing children access to inappropriate content, including pornography. Wahl, who has served on the board since 2022, denies any conflict of interest, emphasizing his commitment to protecting children from explicit material while supporting free speech.
Earlier this year, the APLS board severed ties with the American Library Association (ALA) over concerns about its handling of sexually explicit content, marking a broader trend among several states.
