As a member of the Public Library Association's Task Force (now Committee) on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in 2017, I recall our discussions as we recommended social justice be added to our group's name and prioritized along with equity, diversity, and inclusion as a major goal in PLA's 2018-2022 Strategic Plan. We defined social justice as "full and equal participation of all groups in a society that is mutually shaped to meet their needs." I see this principle as in direct alignment with the other principles in the ALA Code of Ethics. It's unfortunate that full and equal participation of all groups in society is such a polarizing idea.

When we drafted the Statement and Call to Action for Public Library Workers to Address Racism last summer, it was with the understanding that library workers must be able to deeply engage in discussions and develop new practices that consciously work to dismantle racism if we are to have any chance of creating institutions that truly provide for everyone in our communities. There are many identities -- race, gender, sexuality, disability, religion, etc. -- that may lead to people being marginalized or harmed in their encounters with libraries. Again, we have to be able to address structural issues intentionally if we want to change that. I am grateful to everyone struggling to move this work forward!

I'd be happy to chat about all of this in a format that is more conducive to real conversation -- please feel free to reach out if you're interested. 

Katie


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: OJ Amber Mclain <amclain@patmoslibrary.org>
To: IL Jennifer Salgat <lkojen@llcoop.org>, michlib-l@mcls.org
Cc: 
Bcc: 
Date: Thu, 5 Aug 2021 11:24:39 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] New equity and social justice principle added to ALA    Code of Ethics
No, there is no "agenda." This ninth addition to the code of ethics falls directly in line with EDI guidelines already set forth by the ALA, supported by MLA, and library institutions across the country. The groups singled out in this point are historically marginalized, their history has been censored, and their intrinsic identities - who they are BORN AS - make them targets for hate and abuse. Their very identities have been discussed to death and who they are has been deemed as less than which is unacceptable. This is not viewpoints and opinions. This is not about beliefs. These are people. People that are out patrons. The aspect about conduct is to prevent them from hateful conduct. I would be happy to provide the supporting documentation and data for why this is important. I recently did that research for Lakeland:

Amber McLainLibrary Director, Patmos Library


----- Original Message -----
From: IL Jennifer Salgat via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org>
To: mweston dowagiacdl.org <mweston@dowagiacdl.org>
Cc: michlib-l@mcls.org
Sent: Thu, 05 Aug 2021 08:34:40 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] New equity and social justice principle added to ALA   Code of Ethics

I agree there seems to be an agenda to that last part.
To truly be inclusive and diverse, we need to be willing to tolerate ALL opinions right? Even the 'far right' ideology that seems to be currently politically incorrect. Tolerance must go both ways, otherwise, we are also bullying people into silence.


From: "mweston dowagiacdl.org via Michlib-l" <michlib-l@mcls.org>
To: michlib-l@mcls.org
Sent: Wednesday, August 4, 2021 8:40:49 PM
Subject: [Michlib-l] New equity and social justice principle added to ALA Code of Ethics

I'd like to support Karyn Ruley's concerns about ALA's most recent addition to their Code of Ethics. Reading through the first eight principles, and into the first sentence of the ninth, there is a sense of the universal and of the common humanity we share with ourselves and our patrons. "...all library users", "...each library user's rights", and "...the inherent dignity and rights of every person", changes dramatically in tone with "dismantle systemic and individual biases" and "advance racial and social justice".

Absolutely this is worthy of discussion, and this is the place for it.



Matt Weston, Library Director

Dowagiac District Library

211 Commercial St.

Dowagiac, MI 49047-1728

269-782-3826



_______________________________________________
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Michlib-l@mcls.org
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--
Jennifer Salgat
Director
Lake Odessa Community Library
1007 Fourth Avenue
Lake Odessa MI 48849
616.374.4591






---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Leslie Warren <lwarren@nmu.edu>
To: OJ Amber Mclain <amclain@patmoslibrary.org>
Cc: michlib-l@mcls.org
Bcc: 
Date: Thu, 5 Aug 2021 12:13:24 -0400
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] New equity and social justice principle added to ALA Code of Ethics
I support ALA's new statement. Furthermore, this thread has inspired me to donate to ALA's Spectrum Scholarship Program. The scholarship fund seeks to encourage racial and ethnic diversity in our profession.
https://www.ala.org/advocacy/spectrum

Leslie

Leslie A. Warren
Dean | Library and Instructional Support
Northern Michigan University
906-227-2117
1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI 49855
Pronouns: she, her, hers




On Thu, Aug 5, 2021 at 12:04 PM OJ Amber Mclain via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote:
No, there is no "agenda." This ninth addition to the code of ethics falls directly in line with EDI guidelines already set forth by the ALA, supported by MLA, and library institutions across the country. The groups singled out in this point are historically marginalized, their history has been censored, and their intrinsic identities - who they are BORN AS - make them targets for hate and abuse. Their very identities have been discussed to death and who they are has been deemed as less than which is unacceptable. This is not viewpoints and opinions. This is not about beliefs. These are people. People that are out patrons. The aspect about conduct is to prevent them from hateful conduct. I would be happy to provide the supporting documentation and data for why this is important. I recently did that research for Lakeland:

Amber McLainLibrary Director, Patmos Library


----- Original Message -----
From: IL Jennifer Salgat via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org>
To: mweston dowagiacdl.org <mweston@dowagiacdl.org>
Cc: michlib-l@mcls.org
Sent: Thu, 05 Aug 2021 08:34:40 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] New equity and social justice principle added to ALA   Code of Ethics

I agree there seems to be an agenda to that last part.
To truly be inclusive and diverse, we need to be willing to tolerate ALL opinions right? Even the 'far right' ideology that seems to be currently politically incorrect. Tolerance must go both ways, otherwise, we are also bullying people into silence.


From: "mweston dowagiacdl.org via Michlib-l" <michlib-l@mcls.org>
To: michlib-l@mcls.org
Sent: Wednesday, August 4, 2021 8:40:49 PM
Subject: [Michlib-l] New equity and social justice principle added to ALA Code of Ethics

I'd like to support Karyn Ruley's concerns about ALA's most recent addition to their Code of Ethics. Reading through the first eight principles, and into the first sentence of the ninth, there is a sense of the universal and of the common humanity we share with ourselves and our patrons. "...all library users", "...each library user's rights", and "...the inherent dignity and rights of every person", changes dramatically in tone with "dismantle systemic and individual biases" and "advance racial and social justice".

Absolutely this is worthy of discussion, and this is the place for it.



Matt Weston, Library Director

Dowagiac District Library

211 Commercial St.

Dowagiac, MI 49047-1728

269-782-3826



_______________________________________________
Michlib-l mailing list
Michlib-l@mcls.org
https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l

--
Jennifer Salgat
Director
Lake Odessa Community Library
1007 Fourth Avenue
Lake Odessa MI 48849
616.374.4591

_______________________________________________
Michlib-l mailing list
Michlib-l@mcls.org
https://mail3.mcls.org/mailman/listinfo/michlib-l



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Journey Robinson <jrobinson@commercelibrary.info>
To: Amber Alexander <director@pidl.org>
Cc: michlib-l@mcls.org
Bcc: 
Date: Thu, 5 Aug 2021 12:19:38 -0400
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] ICYMI: New equity and social justice principle added to ALA Code of Ethics
I would just like to point out that not only are our patrons a diverse population, but librarians and staff who work in our institutions are as well. When someone on this listserv claims that addressing systemic issues such as (but not limited to) unfair treatment based on race, gender, and sexuality is politically motivated, "marxist," and doesn't belong in libraries, you're sending a direct message to anyone who faces these issues and works in the library world that they do not belong as well. And you're saying that on a list for library staff across the entire state. This is damaging to the library institutions across the entire state, not just your personal library where you believe, rightfully or not, "nobody like that" works or lives there.

Libraries must be for everyone. Including the people whose identities have been forcefully politicised, marginalized, and ignored. 

Journey Robinson
They/Them
Youth Services Librarian
Commerce Township Community Library
Phone:  248-669-8108 Ext. 112



On Thu, Aug 5, 2021 at 10:11 AM Amber Alexander via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote:
This tread is becoming volatile.   

And please keep your white comments to yourself.  You can’t judge people by their color anymore.   There are black parents with white children.   There mixed race human beings who look white but come from many different backgrounds.    Saying someone is white is inherent racism.  

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 5, 2021, at 10:02 AM, Barr, Karen S via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote:


This thread is starting to look like Facebook. Can we put an end to this discussion here, please? 

Karen Barr
Learning Resource Technician
Oakland Community College

From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> on behalf of Melissa Armstrong via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org>
Sent: Thursday, August 5, 2021 9:29 AM
To: Jocelyn Levin <jlevin@ltpl.org>; michlib-l@mcls.org <michlib-l@mcls.org>
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] ICYMI: New equity and social justice principle added to ALA Code of Ethics
 

I’m going to take a big guess here. I would bet the people who are opposed to the new 9th ethic are white. 

 

Melissa Armstrong

Assistant Director

Caro Area District Library

 

From: Michlib-l <michlib-l-bounces@mcls.org> On Behalf Of Jocelyn Levin via Michlib-l
Sent: Wednesday, August 4, 2021 3:44 PM
To: Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org>
Subject: Re: [Michlib-l] ICYMI: New equity and social justice principle added to ALA Code of Ethics

 

I'm proud to work in a library where all visitors are welcome and where we make our best effort to provide the services needed to all. I agree wholeheartedly with Kristin, Cindi, Jessica, Kristen, Amber, Suzy, James, Jake, and Meagan. Thank goodness there are libraries all across our wonderful state where we loudly and proudly celebrate diversity and inclusion by confronting the inequity and oppression that has and continues to exist in our world! 

 

Libraries are the best!

Jocelyn

 

 

 

PLEASE NOTE NEW EMAIL ADDRESS 

 

Jocelyn Levin, MLIS

Youth Services Librarian

 

Lyon Township Public Library

27005 S. Milford Rd, South Lyon, MI 48178

248.437.8800

 

 

 

On Wed, Aug 4, 2021 at 2:55 PM bellairelibrary--- via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote:

For those interested, here is a really good article from Education Weekly about Critical Race Theory:

https://www.edweek.org/leadership/what-is-critical-race-theory-and-why-is-it-under-attack/2021/05

We should all be educated!

---

Cindi L. Place, MLIS
Director, Bellaire Public Library
bellairelibrary@torchlake.com
231-533-8814

 

On 2021-08-04 14:20, Bill Wines via Michlib-l wrote:

I think I know what Marxism is, generally.  I have no idea what critical race theory is.  Did these have something to do with Dr. Seuss and Mr. Potato Head being cancelled?   /s

 

On Wed, Aug 4, 2021 at 2:04 PM Amber Hughey via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote:

Fortunately, Karen, many of us do NOT agree with your far-right ideologies. We are not being forced into this. We are not being uncourageous because of what we believe in.

 

We believe that libraries are a place of inclusion and diversity, and that unfortunately, work is needed to ensure that those are a cornerstone of being a public library. It should not be a leftist ideal to want to eradicate racism in our communities and libraries, and it should not be a leftist ideal to believe that libraries are a place of inclusion and diversity.

 

I've seen your facebook page and the 'ideals' you spout. And in that, I am very grateful you don't work in my local public library.

 

Amber L Hughey, MLIS

She/Hers

Director

Bridgeport Public Library zv041

3399 Williamson

Saginaw MI 48601

989-777-6030 ext 4

On 08/03/2021 2:12 PM Karyn Ruley via Michlib-l <michlib-l@mcls.org> wrote:

 

 

Hello,

 

I would like to remind everyone that the ALA has no authority over any

library whatsoever. Just because they are moving to make libraries places of

leftist activism, pushing ideologies stemming from Marxism and critical race

theory, does not mean you have to as well.

 

Start speaking up and having more courage about this. The parents in schools

can do it. Where do you think the kids go AFTER school?

 

 

Karyn Ruley

Technology Administrator

 

Crawford County Library

201 Plum St.

Grayling, MI

49738

Phone: 989-348-9214 ext.205

Fax: 989-348-9294

----------------------------------

 

Message: 10

Date: Tue, 3 Aug 2021 09:28:09 -0400

From: Kristin Fontichiaro <font@umich.edu>

Subject: [Michlib-l] ICYMI: New equity and social justice principle

added to ALA Code of Ethics

Message-ID:

Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"

 

Hi, all --

 

Announced a few days ago

ALA has added a 9th principle to the ALA Code of Ethics

 

We affirm the inherent dignity and rights of every person. We work to

recognize and dismantle systemic and individual biases; to confront

inequity and oppression; to enhance diversity and inclusion; and to advance

racial and social justice in our libraries, communities, profession, and

associations through awareness, advocacy, education, collaboration,

services, and allocation of resources and spaces.

 

 

 

 

--

Kristin Fontichiaro

University of Michigan School of Information

4427 North Quad

105 S. State St.

Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1285

734.647.3593

Blog <http://fontichiaro.com/activelearning> | Book an Appointment (school

year only)

 

*Projects:*

Michigan Makers <http://michiganmakers.si.umich.edu> | Making in Michigan

Data Literacy in High School <http://dataliteracy.si.umich.edu> | Public

Library Management MOOC

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--

Bill Wines

Circulation & Technical Services Manager

Commerce Township Community Library

180 E. Commerce Rd.
Commerce Twp., MI 48382
Ph. 248.669.8108 ext.102

Fax 248.325.5047

 

The information contained in this electronic message is intended only for the use of the designated recipient(s). If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, use, dissemination, forwarding or copying of this message is strictly prohibited, and we request that you delete the original message and all attachments.

 

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