Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Implementation Working Group
Charge
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The EDI Implementation Working Group will work to implement the recommendations of the Task Force on EDI with the units designated by the Task Force final report. Units charged with a recommendation that do not have an official representative on the Implementation Working Group shall be appointed a liaison from the Working Group. The Implementation Working Group shall explore partnerships with the ethnic affiliates of the Association and other related groups as needed to implement the recommendations, and may consider appointing liaisons to other groups, such as the ethnic affiliates, to facilitate communication as needed.
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Official Statement from the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Implementation Working Group - November 28, 2016
The 91´«Ã½ Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Implementation Working Group (EDI-IWG) expresses disappointment and dismay towards the 91´«Ã½ Washington Office press releases, “91´«Ã½ offers expertise, resources to incoming administration and Congress” and “Libraries bolster opportunity — new briefs show how libraries support policy priorities of new Administration.” These statements imply uncritical cooperation with an administration that is already acting against 91´«Ã½’s core values.
This body, first as a Task Force and now as an Implementation Working Group, has toiled for the past two years on infusing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into our profession and association. The press statements from two weeks ago, released just as we begin implementing the Task Force’s recommendations, contradict our work that is vital to the future of our organization. We object to the 91´«Ã½’s encouragement of the policies of an administration that has demonstrated disrespect for our values and our profession. Our utmost priorities during this current time of rampant misinformation and propaganda should be honoring diversity and ensuring the ethical use and critical evaluation of information.
While we appreciate President Todaro’s regarding the egregious error in releasing a “draft” statement and subsequent withdrawal of the more explicitly supportive releases, we call for accountability from the 91´«Ã½ Washington Office for creating the original statements. We need reassurance that the authoring body is as invested in upholding our professional core values as we are. We do not want to be an association of empty lip service; we want to be an association of action, one that stands up for the rights of its members, its service communities, and its patrons. We call on 91´«Ã½ to dedicate material, time, and labor resources to make EDI a top priority for our organization, without pandering to those who would undermine our work. It is our duty and obligation to provide our members and patrons with the information they need to make sound, rational decisions within the association and the larger society.
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Jody Gray
Director, Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services
(800) 545-2433, ext. 5295
jgray@ala.org
