The Minnesota State Library Services, under Governor Tim Walz’s administration, plans to hold a “BIPOC-only” retreat for library workers, as revealed by documents obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation. This event, scheduled for next month, aims to foster connections between Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) staff, with the state covering costs for lodging, meals, and other expenses.
A sign-up form for the retreat allows applicants to select their race and sexual orientation but notably excludes options for “white” and “heterosexual.” According to the virtual registration form, the event focuses on professional development and networking exclusively for Minnesota’s BIPOC library workers.
One of the keynote speakers will be Nicole Cooke, a University of South Carolina professor in library and information science. Cooke is known for her efforts in improving diversity in librarianship, having received an award earlier this year for such achievements, as noted in an announcement from the university. Cooke has spoken about the lack of diversity in the field and how it is essential to educate future librarians on diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and social justice. She has also recounted experiencing racism and microaggressions throughout her career and secured a grant in 2017 to study racial microaggressions in libraries.
Tamara Lee, director of Minnesota State Library Services, shares a similar commitment to promoting racial equity in libraries. Lee has co-authored an article advocating for “racially diverse, equitable, and inclusive” storytimes for children, noting that ignorance and racism are often reasons for excluding racial diversity in such settings. However, neither Lee, the Harris-Walz campaign, the governor’s office, nor the Minnesota State Library Services responded to DCNF’s request for comment.
