Resolution about Boy Scouts
Here is the language, as proposed, for a resolution that will be presented to Council at ALA in New Orleans. There has been quite a bit of discussion about this issue. Many feel that we have already stopped any relationship with the Boy Scouts, so that this resolution is not necessary.
Based upon your email responses earlier this year, I would vote against this resolution at Council. Keep in mind, we only vote on the “Resolved” clauses, not the “Whereas” portions. Whenever possible I will try to bring this information to the blog and get your responses to it. Thanks.
RESOLUTION ON THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICAWHEREAS the American Library Association (ALA) has had a long official relationship with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), currently in the form, among other things, of a designated ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children liaison; and
WHEREAS ALA and units may provide bibliographies and other material and services to any organization with or without formal or official affiliation and therefore can continue to do due diligence; and
WHEREAS the BSA continues to exclude persons from membership and leadership on the basis of religious ideas and/or sexual orientation; and
WHEREAS ALA Policy 9.5 specifically prohibits ALA or its component units from having formal relationships with organizations which violate ALAís principles and policies regarding human rights and social justice; and
WHEREAS ALA policies 54/17 and 60.2 declare the Associationís support for gay rights and against creed-based discrimination; therefore be it
RESOLVED that the American Library Association calls upon ALA to suspend formal or official relations with the Boy Scouts of America until such time as the Boy Scouts of America ends its exclusionary policy on the basis of a personís religious beliefs or sexual orientation; and be it further
RESOLVED that the ALA once again strongly urges the Boy Scouts of America to change its membership practices so that they demonstrate a commitment to human rights, inclusiveness and mutual respect before prior relations with us can be restored.
Comments
I can just see the blurb now on televisions across the nation: Librarians hate the Boy Scouts!
Posted by: royce | June 6, 2006 10:41 PM
Sigh! ALA obviously has an agenda beyond helping kids to love reading.
Posted by: Carter Riel | June 7, 2006 08:50 AM
Rob, I think a vote AGAINST this resolution would be in libraries' best interests. Once again, as with internet filtering, ALA seems to be choosing its battles unwisely and using the wrong tactics to bring about change. One has to ask: What will be the net result of passing such a resolution?
Posted by: Mickey Coalwell | June 7, 2006 09:28 AM