Ohio Teacher Fights Suspension Over LGBTQ Books at Sixth Circuit
Karen Cahall challenges her suspension over LGBTQ books at the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Why it matters: This case highlights ongoing legal battles over school content and LGBTQ rights, affecting educators and districts nationwide.
- Karen Cahall was suspended three days without pay in November 2024 for including four LGBTQ-themed books in her third-grade classroom library.
- The books were part of a 100-book collection, not required curriculum, and included titles by A.J. Sass and Kyle Lukoff.
- A parent complaint triggered the suspension, citing Policy 2240 on controversial issues requiring principal approval.
- After a federal judge dismissed her lawsuit in October 2025, Cahall is now appealing at the Sixth Circuit as of October 2026.
Karen Cahall, a third-grade teacher at Monroe Elementary School in New Richmond, Ohio, was suspended without pay in November 2024 after including four books featuring LGBTQ+ characters in her classroom library. These books—'Ana On The Edge' by A.J. Sass, 'The Fabulous Zed Watson!' by Basil Sylvester, 'Hazel Bly and the Deep Blue Sea' by Ashley Herring Blake, and 'Too Bright to See' by Kyle Lukoff—were part of approximately 100 titles in her classroom but were not incorporated into official curriculum or assigned reading.
The suspension followed a parent complaint that labeled the books "inappropriate," with the school district invoking Policy 2240, which mandates principal approval for use of "controversial issues" in instructional settings. Superintendent Tracey Miller cited community values in supporting the district's actions.
Cahall filed a federal lawsuit in December 2024, arguing that the policy was unconstitutionally vague and violated her First Amendment rights. She stated she included the books based on her sincerely held moral and religious beliefs that all children, including LGBTQ+ youth and those with LGBTQ+ parents, deserve respect and acceptance.
In October 2025, a U.S. district court dismissed Cahall's case, ruling against her claims. As of October 2026, the teacher is appealing that decision at the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, continuing the legal battle over censorship and educational content in schools.
This case unfolds amid a broader context of heightened book challenges nationwide. Ohio ranked third nationally with 117 book bans in the 2025-26 school year, including 56 challenges in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky in 2024 alone. The outcome of Cahall’s appeal could influence how schools across the country regulate access to LGBTQ-themed materials.
By the numbers:
- 117 book bans in Ohio during the 2025-26 school year — ranks third nationally
- 56 book challenges in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky in 2024 — indicates regional tensions
Yes, but: While Cahall argues for free speech and inclusion, the school district maintains its policy upholds community standards and requires administrative oversight on controversial matters.
What's next: The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals will decide Cahall's case, potentially setting a precedent for censorship and LGBTQ+ content in classrooms.