Pillen defends controversial Library Commission appointment
By Fred Knapp , Senior Reporter/Producer Nebraska Public Media
6 de Septiembre de 2024 a las 00:00 ·

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Gov. Jim Pillen is defending his appointment of a woman to the Nebraska Library Commission who led efforts to remove books from school libraries.
Friday was the first meeting for Terri Cunningham-Swanson since Gov. Pillen appointed her to the commission to promote, develop and coordinate Nebraska libraries.
As a member of the Plattsmouth school board, Cunningham-Swanson led an effort last year to remove 52 books dealing with topics like sexuality, addiction and other sensitive topics from school libraries.
Residents voted to recall her from the school board in January. Afterward, Cunningham-Swanson said her efforts had honored God.
During the public comment period of Friday’s Nebraska Library Commission meeting, Thia Hartley of Lincoln mentioned that in criticizing the governor’s appointment.
“A mission from God to ban books in the school library is weird," Hartley said. "Yet Pillen is eager to keep the weirdness, extremism and division going by appointing Cunningham-Swanson to the Nebraska Library Commission."
Laverne Medenblik of Plattsmouth supported Cunningham-Swanson.
“She is a Christian and people don’t like Christians,” Medenblik said. "That’s what it boils to. And it’s pornographic material that we’re trying get reviewed…and I thank Gov. Pillen.
In a statement to Nebraska Public Media News, Pillen defended his appointment.
“Teri (sic) Cunningham-Swanson is a strong conservative and a dedicated public servant who was fighting to protect children from pornographic content and inappropriate material that was readily available in school libraries," Pillen said in the statement. "She acted as any parent would want an adult to do when it comes to protecting their child.
“It is important that when situations like this occur, that people get involved and act on their conscience, as Teri did. We need more people like her to advocate on behalf of our children, so they are not exposed to age-inappropriate materials in their schools and without the knowledge of parents."