Our community is built on the foundation of free access to information and diverse viewpoints. However, this cornerstone of our society is currently under threat by members of the St. Tammany Parish Library Board of Control—specifically, Chuck Branton, Tamarah Myers, Pennie Petrie, Travis Thompson, and Glenn Baham. These board members have taken it upon themselves to restrict access to books and materials in our libraries, thereby limiting our residents' right to knowledge and learning.

Growing up, I cherished countless hours spent with my nose deep in books from our local library. They opened my eyes to new worlds, ideas, and possibilities. Libraries are not just buildings filled with books; they are sanctuaries of imagination, learning, and cultural exchange. To see this fundamental right threatened by censorship is deeply personal and distressing.

According to the American Library Association, freedom of information and expression is a basic human right—vital to the democratic society we cherish. The ALA states that removing books based on personal bias obstructs free speech and constrains the diversity of ideas. This board’s actions to restrict books is not just a local issue but part of a national trend of censorship that undermines our educational foundations.

The removal of these individuals from the St. Tammany Parish Library Board of Control is crucial. They have failed to uphold the library's mission to provide unrestricted access to information. It's time for leadership that reflects our community values, prioritizes education, and resists censorship in any form.

Join me in demanding the immediate removal of Chuck Branton, Tamarah Myers, Pennie Petrie, Travis Thompson, and Glenn Baham from the library board. By signing this petition, we're taking a stand for intellectual freedom and the preservation of open dialogue in our libraries. We cannot allow a few individuals to decide what knowledge and information should be accessible to our community. Your signature is a step toward safeguarding our libraries for future generations. Sign this petition today and let your voice be heard!