For release on:
September 8, 2021

BCALA Stands in Solidarity with the ALA Social Responsibilities Round Table (SRRT) Regarding the ALA January 2022 Meeting in Texas

The Black Caucus of the American Library Association, Inc. (BCALA) has a long tradition of seeking justice in all its forms. To this end, we support the American Library Association’s Social Responsibility Round Table (SRRT) in its call to convert the ALA meeting scheduled to be held in San Antonio, Texas in January 2022 to be an all-virtual event.

In September 2021 the state of Texas, with implied support from the U.S. Supreme Court, implemented the most restrictive abortion laws in the United States to date. This law eliminates the freedom of choice for many women, and especially those who are economically disadvantaged.

Texas also has a proposed bill (SB 1) that would severely limit some residents of the state’s ability to vote. This bill, though being challenged, is awaiting signature from the governor. In 2017, the state attempted to enact the so-called “bathroom bill” that would have limited access to appropriate facilities for transgendered people.

This pattern of discrimination in the Texas state legislature is antithetical to the values espoused by the American Library Association of equity, diversity, and inclusion. The BCALA therefore joins our colleagues in SRRT and urges the American Library Association to make the January 2022 event, and all virtual one.

About BCALA
The Black Caucus of the American Library Association serves as an advocate for the development, promotion, and improvement of library services and resources to the nation’s African American community; and provides leadership for the recruitment and professional development of African American librarians.