Hector v. Brumley

The ACLU of Arkansas filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of Patty Hector, the former director of the Saline County Library, against Saline County Judge Matthew Brumley and Saline County challenging Ms. Hector’s retaliatory termination after she publicly opposed censorship efforts.

Case Overview
The ACLU of Arkansas secured a significant victory for free speech and the right to read in Hector v. Brumley, a federal lawsuit brought on behalf of Patty Hector, the former director of the Saline County Library, against Saline County Judge Matthew Brumley and Saline County.

The lawsuit alleged that Ms. Hector was unlawfully fired in retaliation for publicly opposing censorship efforts in the library system, in violation of her First Amendment rights. In August 2026, the case was resolved through a settlement providing $225,000 in damages to Ms. Hector, as well as $50,000 in attorneys’ fees.

Why This Case Matters
Public libraries are foundational to democracy, providing access to a broad range of ideas, information, and perspectives. Government officials should not dictate what people can and cannot read — or silence library professionals who stand against censorship.

Ms. Hector’s case sent an important message: Standing against book bans should not cost someone their job. Public employees do not surrender their constitutional rights when they enter public service, and government officials should not be able to use their power to punish employees for protected speech.

The Case
Ms. Hector, a professional librarian with decades of experience, spoke publicly against efforts to censor books in the Saline County Library and continued to uphold professional library standards despite political pressure.

After the Saline County Library Board declined to fire Ms. Hector, the Saline County Quorum Court passed an ordinance transferring authority over library personnel from the Library Board to the County Judge. Saline County Judge Matthew Brumley subsequently fired Ms. Hector in October 2023.

The ACLU of Arkansas filed suit in January 2025, alleging that Ms. Hector’s termination constituted unlawful retaliation for protected speech and violated her First Amendment rights. The lawsuit also challenged the ordinance that transferred firing authority to the County Judge.

The Victory
In August 2026, the ACLU of Arkansas secured a settlement resolving Ms. Hector’s claims against Saline County and Judge Brumley. Under the agreement, Ms. Hector will receive $225,000 in damages, and the defendants will pay $50,000 in attorneys’ fees.

The settlement provides meaningful relief to Ms. Hector after she lost a career she loved for standing up for intellectual freedom and the public’s right to read.

The Broader Impact
This case was always about more than one librarian. Teachers, librarians, and other public employees should never have to choose between their livelihoods and speaking out on matters of public concern.

Libraries belong to the people, not politicians. This resolution underscores the importance of protecting public servants who defend free expression and serves as a powerful reminder that government overreach and retaliation can be challenged.

Censorship has no place in our libraries, and standing up for the freedom to read should never be a fireable offense.