ALA Council II Seattle
ALA Council II
As usual the beginning of the meeting was general housekeeping issues. We voted on updates to some policies. These were wording updates to make them relevant to how things work today.
We had a good discussion about how to make the membership meetings interesting and more meaningful to the general membership and not a time that is dominated by councilors. One good suggestion was that state chapters use this opportunity to bring forward resolutions and issues from states and that it might heighten the relevancy of resolutions to members.
The Treasurer report indicated that ALA is doing well financially. Council had a good discussion of how we can continue the positive growth in the association both financially as well as members, programs, etc. The Ahead 2010 strategic plan seems to be working well and council wanted to continue the growth. We will continue to work on ideas as we move ahead.
John Berry, President of the Freedom to Read Foundation reported on current issues before the Foundation. Lawsuits in which the Foundation is involved or observing are:
The Local Church v. Harvest House Publishers – The Local Church was listed in a book of cults and new religions. The church filed a libel action. It has gone to the Texas Supreme Court which ruled and then was asked to review the action. A final report is pending.
American Civil Liberties Union of Florida v. Miami-Dade School Board. The school board removed a book, A Visit to Cuba. It has gone to the 11th Circuit. Awaiting decision.
Sarah Bradburn, et al. v. North Central Regional Library District. This is the first law suit to address overblocking by CIPA. Awaiting action.
Faith Center Church Evangelistic Ministries v. Glover. A lawsuit regarding a library meeting room policy that restricted religious services in the library facility. In Court of Appeals.
David Cohen, Alice Hagemeyer, Anita R. Schiller, and Alphonse F. Trezza were unanimously voted to Honorary Membership to ALA for their service to the profession.
Resolution to Advocate Ending the Funding for the Iraq War
Therefore be it resolved that ALA support efforts in the US Congress to stop the Iraq War by withholding funds for military actions in Iraq, except for funds necessary for a safe, quick, and orderly withdrawal.
Resolved that this resolution be sent to all members of the US Congress and the library and national press.
There was very good discussion about the relevancy of this resolution and similar issues. It was an overwhelming feeling that most of us were not in support of the Iraq war on a personal level. Several councilors expressed a wish that this resolution had been worded differently that would have made it supportable by the majority.
The resolution failed 48 for and 98 against. I voted against this resolution.
Resolution on Impeachment of President George W. BushTherefore be it resolved, That the American Library Association considers that George W Bush, by such conduct, warrants impeachment;
Be it finally resolved, that this resolution be forwarded to the President of the United States, all members of Congress, the press, and other as appropriate.
It was discussed whether this was under the purview of Council to consider such a resolution. The resolution was brought forward by membership.
I voted against this resolution. The resolution failed.
Resolution on the Boy Scouts of America
Resolved that the American Library Association call upon all its units to follow ALA policies and to suspend all affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America National Council until such time as the Boy Scouts of America ends its exclusionary policy on the basis of a person’s religious beliefs or sexual orientation; and be it further
Resolved that the ALA once again strongly urge, as was done in Midwinter 1999 (1998-99, CD #51-A), the Boy Scouts of America National Council to rescind its decision to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and/or religious beliefs so that it demonstrates a commitment to human rights, inclusiveness and mutual respect, before prior relations with ALA can be restored.
This resolution is directed to internal to ALA situations that currently reflect an on-going relationship with the Boy Scouts. It was expressed that this resolution could have been avoided with better communication both internally and with the Boy Scouts.
There was significant concern that the Boy Scouts do not meet the basic beliefs of ALA and that this relationship was directed to be changed in 1999.
A motion to refer CD #36 to ALSC and request a formal written clarification of their relationship to the Boy Scouts of America.
I voted to refer this to ALSC for clarification. The motion passed.
Attendance figures 9,222 Seattle 8326 San Antonio
Total 12,196 Seattle 11,084 San Antonio
ALA Council II
As usual the beginning of the meeting was general housekeeping issues. We voted on updates to some policies. These were wording updates to make them relevant to how things work today.
We had a good discussion about how to make the membership meetings interesting and more meaningful to the general membership and not a time that is dominated by councilors. One good suggestion was that state chapters use this opportunity to bring forward resolutions and issues from states and that it might heighten the relevancy of resolutions to members.
The Treasurer report indicated that ALA is doing well financially. Council had a good discussion of how we can continue the positive growth in the association both financially as well as members, programs, etc. The Ahead 2010 strategic plan seems to be working well and council wanted to continue the growth. We will continue to work on ideas as we move ahead.
John Berry, President of the Freedom to Read Foundation reported on current issues before the Foundation. Lawsuits in which the Foundation is involved or observing are:
The Local Church v. Harvest House Publishers – The Local Church was listed in a book of cults and new religions. The church filed a libel action. It has gone to the Texas Supreme Court which ruled and then was asked to review the action. A final report is pending.
American Civil Liberties Union of Florida v. Miami-Dade School Board. The school board removed a book, A Visit to Cuba. It has gone to the 11th Circuit. Awaiting decision.
Sarah Bradburn, et al. v. North Central Regional Library District. This is the first law suit to address overblocking by CIPA. Awaiting action.
Faith Center Church Evangelistic Ministries v. Glover. A lawsuit regarding a library meeting room policy that restricted religious services in the library facility. In Court of Appeals.
David Cohen, Alice Hagemeyer, Anita R. Schiller, and Alphonse F. Trezza were unanimously voted to Honorary Membership to ALA for their service to the profession.
Resolution to Advocate Ending the Funding for the Iraq War
Therefore be it resolved that ALA support efforts in the US Congress to stop the Iraq War by withholding funds for military actions in Iraq, except for funds necessary for a safe, quick, and orderly withdrawal.
Resolved that this resolution be sent to all members of the US Congress and the library and national press.
There was very good discussion about the relevancy of this resolution and similar issues. It was an overwhelming feeling that most of us were not in support of the Iraq war on a personal level. Several councilors expressed a wish that this resolution had been worded differently that would have made it supportable by the majority.
The resolution failed 48 for and 98 against. I voted against this resolution.
Resolution on Impeachment of President George W. BushTherefore be it resolved, That the American Library Association considers that George W Bush, by such conduct, warrants impeachment;
Be it finally resolved, that this resolution be forwarded to the President of the United States, all members of Congress, the press, and other as appropriate.
It was discussed whether this was under the purview of Council to consider such a resolution. The resolution was brought forward by membership.
I voted against this resolution. The resolution failed.
Resolution on the Boy Scouts of America
Resolved that the American Library Association call upon all its units to follow ALA policies and to suspend all affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America National Council until such time as the Boy Scouts of America ends its exclusionary policy on the basis of a person’s religious beliefs or sexual orientation; and be it further
Resolved that the ALA once again strongly urge, as was done in Midwinter 1999 (1998-99, CD #51-A), the Boy Scouts of America National Council to rescind its decision to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and/or religious beliefs so that it demonstrates a commitment to human rights, inclusiveness and mutual respect, before prior relations with ALA can be restored.
This resolution is directed to internal to ALA situations that currently reflect an on-going relationship with the Boy Scouts. It was expressed that this resolution could have been avoided with better communication both internally and with the Boy Scouts.
There was significant concern that the Boy Scouts do not meet the basic beliefs of ALA and that this relationship was directed to be changed in 1999.
A motion to refer CD #36 to ALSC and request a formal written clarification of their relationship to the Boy Scouts of America.
I voted to refer this to ALSC for clarification. The motion passed.
Attendance figures 9,222 Seattle 8326 San Antonio
Total 12,196 Seattle 11,084 San Antonio