June, 2020
University Libraries stands in solidarity with the statements from Interim President Michael Bernstein and President-Elect Maurie McInnis, Chief Diversity Officer, and our colleagues at the Association of Research Libraries, American Library Association, the Black Caucus of the American Library Association, and the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association in strongly condemning racism, oppression, xenophobia, and other actions and violence that discriminate against people of color throughout our nation.
The Libraries expresses outrage at the unjustified killing of George Floyd, an act of violence which perpetuates a long and shameful history of systemic racism against blacks in the United States. Also, we have a strong belief in the First Amendment and support the constitutional guarantee for peaceful public expression of opposition at all levels of government.
The Libraries stands firm on the pillars of equity, inclusion, diversity, and democracy for all users, and reaffirms its commitment to promoting resources and services to address the inequalities and ignorance that continue to tarnish our society. Building on the efforts of the Libraries’ Committee on Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity in alignment with the University’s Diversity Plan, the Libraries pledges to continue dedicating its talents and resources to focused programming, discussion forums, workshops, and building diverse and representative collections on the issues of racial injustice, white privilege, and social and economic inequities in the United States.
In unity, University Libraries.
