[Libs-Or] Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping

[Jennifer Patterson]

Dear colleagues,
You may be aware that the White House issued an Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping<https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-combating-race-sex-stereotyping/> on September 22. Section 5 of this executive order pertains to federal grants and notes that federal agencies shall review their grant programs and

"identify programs for which the agency may, as a condition of receiving such a grant, require the recipient to certify that it will not use Federal funds to promote the concepts that (a) one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex; (b) an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously; (c) an individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely or partly because of his or her race or sex; (d) members of one race or sex cannot and should not attempt to treat others without respect to race or sex; (e) an individual's moral character is necessarily determined by his or her race or sex; (f) an individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex; (g) any individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress on account of his or her race or sex; or (h) meritocracy or traits such as a hard work ethic are racist or sexist, or were created by a particular race to oppress another race."

The State Library of Oregon receives federal grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) that are used for statewide library services as well as grants to the library community. We have been in contact with IMLS and they are reviewing the executive order with their legal team to determine how this executive order may impact the usage of federal grant funds they distribute. IMLS will be providing the State Library with an update when they have more information about whether this executive order will result in any limitations on state library agencies using federal grant funding distributed by IMLS to support equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism initiatives and projects. At this time, the State Library is continuing work as planned on our initiatives to promote equity and anti-racism.

The State Library remains committed to advancing anti-racist practices and policies and integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion principles into our daily work and decision-making. We will continue to provide opportunities for our staff to deepen their understanding of these issues, and are committed to providing resources and support to local libraries throughout Oregon to do the same. Libraries are uniquely positioned to fight inequity and racism through free and open access to resources, programs, and services and it's critical that library staff are empowered with the training and development needed to reach marginalized and oppressed communities, create welcoming and inclusive environments, and respond to community needs.

We will provide an update when we have additional information about any impacts on how the federal funding we receive can be utilized. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Best,

Jennifer


Jennifer Patterson
State Librarian
Pronouns: she/her/hers
jennifer.l.patterson at state.or.us<mailto:jennifer.l.patterson at state.or.us>
Office: 503-378-4367 | Cell: 971-375-2713
www.oregon.gov/library
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[Title: State Library of Oregon]

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