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Why did you remove the Pride and Juneteenth flags now? Are you getting pressure from state and local leaders to tone down DEI?
- Many have asked, “Why now?”. There would have been no good time at all to make this change. This policy change has been discussed for 2 - 3 years. We must recognize that we are facing a convergence of realities. While not an immediate response to current Federal Administration policies regarding EDI, the decision to not display any flags other than the American and State of Ohio flags on a permanent basis is a clear understanding of the role State and community-based funding plays in keeping our doors open.
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The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights declared all race-conscious student programming, resources and financial aid illegal and threatened to investigate and rescind federal funding for any institution that does not comply within 14 days. Are the decisions on displays and reorganizing the library’s DEI program related to that order?
- Despite the headwinds we are all facing today, we remain committed to providing support through our collections, our services, our programs, and displays. Simply put, if we lose State government funding through the Public Library Fund, or the support of our elected officials and our communities, it endangers our ability to deliver on our mission and on our promise - to inform, inspire, and enrich our community.
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How much federal funding does the Library receive?
- Detailed Dayton Metro Library budget information can be found here.
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How are employees responding to the change?
- Everyone on the Dayton Metro Library team is committed to our mission.
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Some in the LGBTQ+ community say this is just a first step to eliminating references to their community. How do you respond?
- Nothing has changed in terms of our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. Flags and other cultural symbols connected with specific events and celebrations will be shown during their designated month. The Progress Pride Flag would be up during June during Pride Month and in October during LGBTQ+ History Month. The Juneteenth flag would be displayed during June. The same holds true for other celebrations.
Employees may also display flags on their lanyards, which can help LGBTQ+ youth identify supportive staff members.
- Nothing has changed in terms of our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. Flags and other cultural symbols connected with specific events and celebrations will be shown during their designated month. The Progress Pride Flag would be up during June during Pride Month and in October during LGBTQ+ History Month. The Juneteenth flag would be displayed during June. The same holds true for other celebrations.
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In a media story you said diversity in the Dayton Metro Library’s collection is about 24%, far above the national average of 13-14%. Are you concerned that will make the library a target of critics who try to force removal of this content?
- Our collections, materials, programs, and services speak clearly to Dayton Metro Library’s commitment to serving our most vulnerable populations. We are dedicated to ensuring programming is robust enough for everyone to find something to connect with, contribute to, and learn from.