Freel Library believes unequivocally that Black lives matter. We add our voices to those condemning the continued shooting and killing of Black individuals by police and mourning the lives shattered and lost: Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, David McAtee, Breonna Taylor, Jacob Blake, and too many others.
The library also acknowledges the insidious effects of the racism that pervades the daily lives of people of color in the United States. It is incumbent upon those who do not live with it every day to learn to recognize and name racism in its many forms and work to undo it. Books are a start, but they are not a substitute for difficult conversations and concrete action. Being nice is a start, but politeness does not necessarily imply understanding or true inclusivity.
We will work continuously toward creating an antiracist library that is worthy of MCLA's diverse and dynamic community. Steps in this direction include:
Seeking out, listening to, and inviting accountability from students, staff, and faculty of color; incorporating what we learn into library services, collections, facilities, and policies
Empowering our community to understand and work toward identifying and dismantling systemic racism and personal biases by providing information and encouraging dialogue (Our Anti-Racist Resources Guide is a beginning)
Using our role as selectors and disseminators of information, literature, and scholarship to amplify BIPOC voices
Including Black-owned businesses among the vendors from whom we purchase books
Being intentional about recruiting and hiring more people of color to work in the library
We hope that you will share your thoughts, experiences, and questions with us. Use our general library contact information, or reach out directly to Associate Dean for Library Services, Emily Alling.
In solidarity,
Alishia Alther
Danielle Christensen
Emily Alling
Glenn Lawson
Kate Flower
Laura Dear
Pamela Contakos
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