TLA Condemns Racism and Violence

As people around the world march to honor the life of a fellow Texan, George Floyd, and protest his death, as well as the violent and senseless deaths of countless Black people, our community mourns and our hearts are broken.

We stand in solidarity with Black people and all people of color from across the globe in protest of the racism, discrimination, pain and sorrow marginalized communities have experienced for too long. We recognize that we must acknowledge our own biases and be open to change, always considering the impact of our words and actions, regardless of intent. Only by acknowledging our discomfort can we truly effect change and bridge differences.

Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is broader than policies about what books should be included in a library. We condemn violence and racism.  Our role as community leaders is to reach within and beyond the walls of our institutions to change systems of inequity and long-standing practices of racism and oppression.

We honor and offer our support to library workers, library users, and members of the communities we serve who are susceptible to acts of prejudice, threats of violence, and even death based solely on their race or ethnicity.

Libraries, schools and the world outside should be places that are safe and inclusive for people of all backgrounds and colors, where everyone is free to live and learn without fear.

We call on library and information services leaders, staff and advocates of all races and backgrounds to abolish racism against all people of color.