The Milner Library IDEA Committee is dedicated to social justice. While we celebrate the fact that infinite diversity exists in infinite combinations within us all, our primary charge is to work towards equity and inclusion for the most marginalized among us. We recognize that libraries are not neutral spaces, both because their white supremacist origins continue to be reflected in the racial makeup of our staff, and because our choices in collecting, deaccessioning, providing programming, and designing spaces are inherently values-driven. It is the IDEA Committee’s remit to critically examine these roots and beliefs in order to holistically support our patrons, community, and colleagues. In the words of Elie Wiesel, “neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.”
We furthermore ascribe to the following philosophies and frameworks in our practices:
- Accessibility
- Anti-racism
- Community-centered decision making
- Empathetic listening and engagement
- Feminism
- Intergenerationality
- Internationalization
- Intersectionality
- Religious freedom
- Reparative justice
- Queer and trans liberation