Latest news with #JohnWahl
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Alabama board overseeing local libraries further defines term ‘sexually explicit'
Gadsden Public Library Director Craig Scott speaks to the APLS Board during the Thursday, May 8, 2025 meeting. (Ralph Chapoco/Alabama Reflector) The Alabama Public Library Service board Thursday adopted a definition of the term 'sexually explicit' after advocates and local library officials throughout the state said that the term — the center of controversies over book content around the state — was vague and hard to comply with. The new definition is taken from the state's criminal code defining adult bookstores and adult movie houses. It includes material containing sexual intercourse between people of the same gender or opposite gender, sexual excitement and nudity. 'I think that is an easy thing for us to figure out,' said APLS Chair John Wahl, who introduced the motion on Thursday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The move follows the board's move in May of last year requiring libraries to restrict library materials from the minors or risk forfeiting state funding. To qualify for state aid, libraries must adopt policies for selecting library materials that prohibit minors from having materials that are sexually explicit or inappropriate for children, specify the physical location of books and materials deemed sexually explicit or inappropriate materials for children, and obtain advance approval for materials that are marketed or promoted to children. Libraries must also establish policies that 'approve written guidelines that ensure library sections designated for minors under the age of 18 remain free of material containing obscenity, sexually explicit, or other material deemed inappropriate for children or youth,' Wahls' motion comes amid continued unrest at the state board that oversees local library funding. In March, members of the APLS voted to suspend funding to the Fairhope Public Library after several patrons complained that books that allegedly violated the APLS administrative code have yet to be moved to the adult section. In that same meeting, because of another motion from Minton, APLS terminated Nancy Pack, the former director who led the agency since 2012. The Fairhope Library has yet to have its funding restored. Supporters have started a fundraiser to help offset some of the funding that could be lost by the library. Wahl said he had 'cordial communication' with Fairhope Public Library Director Robert Gourlay and chair of the Fairhope Public Library, Randal Wright. 'They are still in their review process,' he said. 'The APLS board is waiting until they finish their review process.' Both Gourlay and Wright attended the meeting to address the APLS board during the public comment period. 'We have gotten a lot of reconsideration forms submitted since the beginning of 2023, and we have about 20,000 plus cardholders in Fairhope. Six or seven individuals are responsible for those requests for reconsideration,' Gourlay said. He said staff have taken the requests seriously and have moved six books from the juvenile and teen section to the adult section. Wright said that the Fairhope Public Library is not attempting to defy the updated APLS administrative code and recommended that the state agency establish a procedure for libraries to follow who may not be complying and give libraries an opportunity to respond before threatening funding. 'I have witnessed the standards of the majority of the citizens of Fairhope who have spoken out in support of our library,' Wright said. 'And I believe we are adhering to the APLS guidelines while also listening to the community standards of Fairhope.' Fights over book content began erupting in 2023 when a parent complained that the Autauga-Prattville Public Library had a book with inclusive pronouns. The issue went all the way up to Gov. Kay Ivey, who pushed the board to adopt administrative code changes. Critics said the campaign was about removing books with LGBTQ characters. The fight continued at Thursday's meeting. 'Let me be blunt,' said Craig Scott, director of the Gadsden Public Library. 'Libraries are not political playgrounds. They are not here to serve an agenda. They are here to serve people, all people. And yes, sometimes providing materials that have been challenged, discomfort, or even provoke thought.' Wahl said he found Scott's comments offensive. 'I personally, went to the state Legislature, and found guaranteed funding, so that local libraries would not have to risk losing federal grants,' Wahl said. 'There was not a single thank you there. To say that this board does not stand up for local libraries, and does not fight for them, is offensive.' Board member Amy Minton, who moved to revoke Fairhope's funding last month, put forward a draft of a motion for the APLS Board to consider at the next meeting that invoked Alabama's 'What is a Woman Act' and the executive order from President Donald Trump that affirmed only two genders. 'In alignment with these clear positions of both state and federal government, it is the opinion of the APLS Board that any library material that encourages, promotes or contains positive portrayals of transgender procedures, gender ideology, or the concept of more than two genders shall be deemed inappropriate for children and youth under APLS Code,' Minton's proposed motion states. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
State leaders react following President Donald Trump's University of Alabama commencement speech
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — Several of Alabama's leaders were recognized tonight in President Donald Trump's commencement speech at the University of Alabama. They said the President's remarks meant a great deal to the state of Alabama. 'You have the most powerful man in the world who made it a priority to come and speak to young people in the state of Alabama. It's an honor for the state, it's an honor for the university, and it's an honor for every single student,' said John Wahl, chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. Lawmakers also showed their support for the president. Rep. Mack Butler (R-Rainbow City) said his address was a message of support for young people in Alabama. 'I think it was incredible that he came to honor our state, honor our people, and honor our most precious resource- which is our young people,' he said. 'And he spoke a message tonight of faith, hard work, and he paid a tribute to his dad and his dad's hard work. And I think it shows his love of our state and recognizes the resource we have here in Alabama.' Rep. Mark Gidley (R-Hokes Bluff) said that love for the state has helped when it comes to passing state laws. 'This year, I carried a bill along with Senator Keith Kelley about putting the Ten Commandments back in our schools,' he explained. 'Those kinds of things, so, those are important things for Donald Trump, and those are important things for the people of Alabama. And I think that having that support from the federal level is helping us to make sure we can do that on the state level.' Gov. Kay Ivey said tonight will be memorable for graduates and their family members at the University of Alabama. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Washington Post
07-04-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
In conservative Alabama, Republicans are cheering for Trump - with some quiet concerns and caveats
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — On a day when stock markets around the world dropped precipitously, Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl led a celebration of the president whose global tariffs sparked the selloff. With no mention of the Wall Street rollercoaster and global economic uncertainty, Wahl declared his state GOP's 'Trump Victory Dinner' — and the broader national moment — a triumph. And for anyone who rejects President Donald Trump , his agenda and the 'America First' army that backs it all, Wahl had an offer: 'The Alabama Republican Party will buy them a plane ticket to any country in the world they want to go to.'
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
John Wahl wins re-election as Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party
HOOVER, Ala. (WHNT) — John Wahl was re-elected as Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party for his third consecutive term. The voting happened during the party's annual Winter Meeting in Hoover. 📲 to stay updated on the go. 📧 to have news sent to your inbox. 'I am honored and humbled to have the support of our State Executive Committee in Alabama,' said Wahl. 'This re-election is a testament to the strength of our party and the hard work we've put into building a unified, successful platform for our state. I look forward to continuing to work together with our members to advance conservative values and bring lasting change to Alabama.' The Alabama Republican Party said under Wahl's leadership, it has seen significant growth and success in recent years, with Republican candidates winning key local, state and federal elections. As the youngest State Party Chairman in the country, Chairman Wahl's leadership has been outreach to minority and youth communities, leading the Party to win four seats in majority-minority districts for the first time in recent history, according to the Alabama Republican Party. Chairman Wahl was re-elected to his second term as RNC Vice Chairman for the Southern Region in January. He has been active in Republican politics for many years, previously serving as ALGOP's Senior Vice Chairman, a member of Senator Tommy Tuberville's transition team and a delegate to the 2020 Alabama Electoral College. He is also the Chairman of the Alabama Public Library Service board and a professional butterfly farmer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
