I was scheduled to present for SLJ in a few weeks and I withdrew today. The discussion about their February cover was just egregious and I can't stand by and be a party to that kind of hypocrisy. I hope they'll do better, but I don't have much confidence in that. #1
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"I am withdrawing from my presentation on 2/23/21 for the SLJ Equity in Action: Fostering an Antiracist Library Culture online course (which was opportunistically changed to incorporate the anti-racism trend)." #2
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"The controversy over the February 2021 cover image has been disappointing and frustrating, to say nothing of being inequitable. The image and article are problematic, that’s one thing, but the Editor’s doubling down on social media about their “good intentions”" #3
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"and their non-apology that suggests that readers are simply misinterpreting said intentions is offensive and disrespectful. To have SLJ’s courses rely on the backs and expertise of Black and Brown EDI and LIS experts and then to receive this kind of response from the SLJ" #4
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"leadership team is ridiculous and the height of hypocrisy. SLJ needs to do better, but in the meantime, I cannot be associated with this kind of disregard for the people they claim to serve and represent." #5/5 #DoBetter
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We at the Arne Nixon Center are so angry about this cover and their shameful response. #DoBetter
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Deeds not words. Thank you for taking action. I am grateful for your leadership and strong example.
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That SLJ cover is extremely fucked up. What is worse is the inherent white racism and its attempt at nullifying the representation of people of color as well as their inclusion in book diversity. It is disgusting SLJ did this.
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