Historical performer wins settlement after library canceled show over race
October 16, 2025
San Diego, California; October 16, 2025: A historical performer can now perform her one-woman play after San Diego County settled a federal discrimination lawsuit. Annette Hubbell sued after the County library canceled her “Women Warriors” show because officials refused to allow her to portray historical figures whose race was different than her own, including Harriet Tubman and Mary McLeod Bethune.
“The government should never tell people they’re not allowed to do something because of their race,” said Chris Barnewolt, an attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation, which represented Hubbell free of charge. “The Constitution requires that all people be treated equally under the law, and this settlement ensures that San Diego County will never again discriminate against individuals based on race. This is a victory for Annette and for the right of every American to pursue their artistic freedom equally.”
In December 2023, the Rancho Santa Fe Library branch invited Hubbell to perform her one-woman play featuring heroic women from history. Two weeks before the scheduled March 2024 performance, library officials told her that they did not want a white woman to portray an African American historical figure. When pressed, they told Annette she could only portray white women. When Hubbell disagreed, the library canceled her performance entirely.
Under the terms of the settlement, Annette will perform her play at a County library branch and the County will pay Hubbell $60,000 to resolve her claim. The County also agreed to prohibit discrimination against any vendor or contractor based on race, ethnicity, color, or national origin in the future.
The case is Hubbell v. Acosta.
Documents
No files available.
About Pacific Legal Foundation
Pacific Legal Foundation is a national nonprofit law firm that defends Americans threatened by government overreach and abuse. Since our founding in 1973, we challenge the government when it violates individual liberty and constitutional rights. With active cases in 34 states plus Washington, D.C., PLF represents clients in state and federal courts, with 18 wins of 20 cases litigated at the U.S. Supreme Court.