A New York City high school librarian reported receiving death threats and targeted online harassment after a video she created for her school library was shared by a social media account in October 2022. Lindsay Klemas, who has served as a school librarian for 13 years, stated that the account Libs of TikTok reposted her Instagram video, which featured LGBTQ+ fiction and informational books.
The incident occurred during a period of increased national focus on library materials. According to data from the American Library Association and PEN America cited by Klemas, one of the titles featured in the video, "This Book Is Gay" by Juno Dawson, was among the top 10 most challenged or banned books of 2022. Klemas noted that while the book had been on her school's shelves since 2015, its inclusion in the video led to accusations of "grooming" and pedophilia from online commenters.
Klemas described a range of harassment following the post, including comments suggesting she be "locked up" or killed on national television. She reported receiving threats via email and hearing colleagues suggest the harassment was deserved. In response to safety concerns, Klemas stated she began wearing a face mask in public to avoid recognition, carried a personal safety alarm, and consulted legal advice.
The incident highlights a shift in the professional environment for school librarians and educators. While the specific number of librarians targeted in this manner was not reported, Klemas noted a change in the social climate from 2020 to 2022, describing a move toward efforts to restrict access to certain materials. This affects public school employees across the country who must balance district-approved collections with external pressure from groups such as Moms for Liberty.
For students in these districts, particularly those identifying as LGBTQ+, the outcome of these disputes impacts their access to representational literature in school settings. Klemas cited research from The Trevor Project indicating that LGBTQ+ youth with at least one accepting adult in their lives are 40% less likely to attempt suicide. When educators are targeted or books are removed, it can alter the support system available to students during school hours.
The long-term effects involve the retention of staff in public education. Klemas reported that the harassment led her to consider a career change, searching job sites for teachers during the incident. Although she chose to remain in her position, such pressures can influence future staffing and the willingness of educators to curate diverse library displays. As of the report, "This Book Is Gay" remains available in her library, and Klemas continues to advocate for her students.