Durham County officials reversed a decision to remove Pride Month displays from public libraries just one day after the directive was issued, a move that sparked criticism from library workers, LGBTQ advocates and community members.

The controversy prompted supporters of the LGBTQ community to gather at Durham's main library, where drag performer Stormie Daie hosted a children's reading event to show solidarity with librarians and residents concerned about the decision.

"If the librarians are having their hands forced, we as a community see them, understand them and are going to help them have Pride despite administration's decisions," Daie said.

Several Durham County librarians told WRAL News that the directive to remove Pride displays was not an isolated incident. They said library staff have repeatedly been instructed over the past year to remove displays or alter programming that officials believed could fall under diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, initiatives.

According to those librarians, this was the first time such instructions were communicated in writing.

Library staff who spoke with WRAL said many library leaders disagreed with the decision but believed county officials were attempting to avoid potential federal scrutiny or retaliation tied to DEI-related policies.

Daie said the controversy reflects broader concerns about the political climate surrounding LGBTQ issues.

"It is truly a time that we are living in where the discriminations are coming from the highest of offices and they are happening right in front of the faces of even the most liberal communities like Durham," Daie said.

Not everyone attending Saturday's event supported the displays.

"You're kind of forcing stuff down other Durham residents' throats that they may not want to deal with," attendee Justin said.

In a statement, Durham Library Workers United called for transparency surrounding the decision.

"We want transparency from all parties involved to understand what happened and appropriate, measured actions to restore confidence in the public and staff," organizers told WRAL News.

Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam attended the event with her children. She said local leaders must be clear about their support for marginalized communities amid political debates playing out across the country.

"We're trying to learn and grow in the face of this fascist government ourselves, and we don't want that to be at the detriment of any of our marginalized minority community members," Allam said.

WRAL News reached out to the Durham County Library director seeking answers about why Pride Month displays were initially ordered removed and what led officials to reverse the decision.

While the displays remain in place, library workers and community advocates say questions remain about how the decision was made and whether similar directives could be issued in the future.