[OLA-IF-News] New ALA meeting room interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights generates controversy

[Steve Silver]

ALA Council recently released updated interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights<http://www.ala.org/advocacy/sites/ala.org.advocacy/files/content/intfreedom/librarybill/lbor.pdf>, including an updated meeting rooms interpretation<http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/meetingrooms>. This followed a process of seeking member input on the new interpretation (see that timeline<https://www.oif.ala.org/oif/?p=14997#timeline>). Following public comment, the updated interpretation that was released added “hate speech” and “hate groups” to the lists of activities and groups which should enjoy equal access to library meeting rooms. Many within ALA reacted negatively to this inclusion, calling for removal of this language in the interests of protecting marginalized patrons and of not being seen as promoting hate speech. A petition to rescind the new interpretation is now being circulated (see the People for Oregon Libraries PAC Facebook page or the recent post to Libs-OR). James LaRue, Director of the ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom, published this blog article<http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2018/07/ala-oif-responds-library-bill-rights-meeting-room-interpretation-update> explaining that this is not a change in interpretation, but clarifies the interpretation in response to specific requests by groups such as the KKK to use library meeting space. According to LaRue this interpretation is intended to protect libraries which make meeting room space available to the public from lawsuits from excluded groups, including so-called “hate groups.” Such lawsuits have been won by excluded groups in the past, and likely would in the future as well. The Oregon Intellectual Freedom Committee will continue to post new developments on this issue. Additional links to responses to this controversy are below:
ALA OIF Responds to Library Bill of Rights Meeting Room Interpretation update<http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2018/07/ala-oif-responds-library-bill-rights-meeting-room-interpretation-update> | ALA press release

  *   Read the document: Meeting Rooms: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights<http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/meetingrooms>
  *   Library meeting rooms for all<https://www.oif.ala.org/oif/?p=14997> | OIF Blog; statement and resources from OIF Director Jamie LaRue
  *   Policy allowing hate groups to meet at libraries comes under fire<http://www.latimes.com/books/la-et-jc-libraries-hate-groups-20180711-story.html> | Los Angeles Times
  *   Free speech debate erupts with ALA’s inclusion of hate groups in revision of Bill of Rights Interpretation<https://www.slj.com/2018/07/industry-news/free-speech-debate-erupts-alas-inclusion-hate-groups-bill-rights-revision/> | School Library Journal
  *   Yes, "hate groups" can hold meetings in libraries, too<https://reason.com/blog/2018/07/12/yes-hate-groups-can-hold-meetings-in-lib> | Reason
  *   Libraries can't afford to welcome hate<https://socialistworker.org/2018/07/13/libraries-cant-afford-to-welcome-hate> | SocialistWorker.org



Steve Silver
Library Director
P  541-684-7237
ssilver at nwcu.edu<mailto:ssilver at nwcu.edu>
www.nwcu.edu<http://www.nwcu.edu/>

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