The American Library Association has responded to reports that Texas will not be renewing its contract with the organization following the library group’s election of a self-identified Marxist as its president.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, American Library Association (ALA) President Emily Drabinski tweeted upon her election to the position, “I just cannot believe that a Marxist lesbian who believes that collective power is possible to build and can be wielded for a better world is the president-elect of [the ALA].”
Rep. Brian Harrison (R-Midlothian) led the charge to pull Texas out of its partnership, urging the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) to end its relationship with the group.
“Texas should be leading the fight against Marxist ideology; not subsidizing it,” Harrison wrote in a letter last month to Commissioner Martha Wong, chair of the TSLAC.
On August 17, Harrison announced, “Less than one month after I requested the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to cut ties with the American Library Association, I am excited to report that they just informed me they will not renew their contract with them!”
“This is a win for all Texans, and I applauded the courageous and decisive decision by Chairwoman Martha Wong,” Harrison added, as reported by The Dallas Express.
The ALA has since responded to The Dallas Express’ request for comment regarding the TSLAC’s decision to part ways with the organization.
“ALA is aware of Texas State Representative Brian Harrison’s statement on social media,” the organization said.
“We do not have further comment beyond the statement we shared with you yesterday in response to Midland County’s decision,” the ALA said, referring to a statement given to The Dallas Express after the rural county became the first in Texas to leave because of the group’s Marxist president.
“The organization remains committed to its mission to support all libraries and library workers, regardless of any other decisions that may follow in the state,” the ALA concluded.
In Midland County, Commissioner Dianne Anderson led the push to separate, saying, “A Marxist, a self-proclaimed Marxist, who wants that in our country? We don’t need that. So if enough libraries say ‘I’m out of here because they’re just going the wrong direction,’ then it sends them a message to change leadership.”
Responding to the county’s departure, the ALA claimed that “it is a non-partisan, non-profit membership organization that develops, promotes, and improves library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.”
“Despite the decision in Midland County this week, ALA remains committed to providing essential support, resources, and opportunities for every library and library worker in every state and territory across the nation to help them better serve their communities,” the organization concluded.
