Rules committee recommends denying Elizabeth Anderson for library board after heated public comments

The Jacksonville Rules Committee voted 3-5 on May 19 to recommend denying Mayor Deegan’s nomination of Elizabeth Anderson to the Jacksonville Public Library Board of Trustees, after nearly two hours of public comment that ranged from full-throated support to allegations from several speakers about Anderson’s past remarks and decisions as a school board member.

The vote came after a sustained public-comment period in which supporters of Anderson — including teachers, retired librarians and students — described her as a community-minded educator and nonprofit leader, while opponents cited social-media comments and school-board policy decisions as reasons to reject the appointment. Councilman Holland, chairman of the Rules Committee, opened the meeting and later presided over the discussion and vote.

Anderson, who was nominated by Mayor Deegan, described her background to the committee: she is the CEO of 1Jax, previously served on the Duval County School Board from 2018–2022 (including as chair), and said her priorities as a trustee would include expanding digital access, early-childhood literacy and workforce development. She also addressed criticism in public media, called misinformation “divisive,” and asked the committee to judge her on her record and community service.

Supporters who spoke during the public-comment period included Katie Hathaway, who urged the committee to “confirm Elizabeth Anderson’s appointment and take a stand against fear mongering and misinformation,” and Mason Shoemaker, who called the attacks against Anderson “partisan” and urged committee members to “rise above the misinformation.” Former state senator Audrey Gibson addressed the committee in support of Anderson and emphasized Anderson’s experience and record of public service.

Several speakers opposed the nomination. Tia Bess said she was offended by a social-media post in which Anderson referred to Bess as a “token” and asked for an apology; Bess described herself as a mother of a child with special needs who has advocated for parental rights. Blake Harper called attention to tweets he characterized as “racist” and urged members to oppose the nomination. Debbie Discipio, another speaker opposing Anderson, criticized Anderson’s record on school-board decisions during the COVID pandemic and said taxpayer money was used in litigation.

During committee questioning, Councilmember Boylan asked Anderson to explain the role of a library trustee; Anderson described governance responsibilities including oversight of budget and strategic direction. Boylan also asked whether she had regrets about the disputed “token” comment; Anderson replied, “I do not regret calling out what I believe is an unhealthy and unfair practice,” and added that she regretted any hurt caused. Dr. Johnson pressed Anderson to apologize directly to Tia Bess; Anderson said, "I am so sorry that Miss Bess was offended." The apology was delivered in the room during the committee meeting.

Councilman Paluso and other members of the committee spoke in favor of Anderson’s qualifications and community service. Dr. Johnson and Councilman Peluso both strongly voiced support for Anderson’s leadership record and her work on behalf of students during her time on the Duval County School Board.

After the public comment and questioning, the committee opened the ballot. The roll call read three ayes and five nays; the chairman announced that by that vote the nomination (listed on the agenda as 2025-0250) failed in Rules and would advance to full City Council next Tuesday with the committee’s recommendation to deny.

Votes in Rules do not prevent the full council from confirming a nominee. The full council will consider the nomination at its next regular meeting; the Rules Committee’s recommendation will be included in the materials forwarded to the council.

Why it matters: Library trustees serve in a volunteer governance role that oversees policy, budget and strategic direction for a major city institution. The Anderson nomination drew unusually sustained public interest and sharply divided testimony in part because several public commentators tied her nomination to recent school-board controversies and social-media statements. The Rules Committee’s recommendation to deny is advisory to the full City Council but frames the nomination for the next hearing.

What’s next: The nomination will appear on the City Council agenda for final consideration. The committee record will also include the submitted written materials supporters said they provided — including a sign-on letter described at the meeting as containing more than 400 names in support of Anderson — and the public oral testimony delivered on May 19.