Tuesday, January 31, 2017
The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) has issued a statement opposing Trump's immigration order. As a member of the ARL, and an institution dedicated to the principle of academic freedom, the University of Waterloo Library would like to express support for this statement, and for our colleagues in all nations affected by the current immigration ban.
We stand with ARL in urging the United States government to rescind the order imposing an immigration ban, as "this order sends a clear message to researchers, scholars, authors, and students that the United States is not an open and welcoming place in which to live and study, conduct research, write, and hold or attend conferences and symposia. The ban will disrupt and undermine international academic collaboration in the sciences, the humanities, technology, and global health."
The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) has also issued a statement affirming commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and access. From the ACRL statement:
At a time when many colleges and universities are working to highlight the importance of protecting inclusive learning environments, academic libraries have a critical role to play in creating spaces in which diverse and divergent viewpoints can be shared and exchanged. Our professional expertise is anchored in our ability to identify and make credible resources available to our diverse communities. As instructors, we teach students to critically evaluate information and to seek differing perspectives. As professionals, we readily foster intellectual freedom and promote net neutrality and open access.
The recent disappearance of pages from the White House website and attempts to silence scientists and the media are of serious concern to our Association. We hope that all members of ACRL will join us in reaffirming our commitment to support students, faculty, staff, and the public we serve. We are committed to representing many backgrounds and advocating for social justice on campus and in our communities. We oppose actions used to suppress free expression, academic freedom, and intellectual freedom in academe and condemn the use of intimidation, harassment, bans on entry to the United States from Muslim-majority countries, and violence as means with which to squelch free intellectual inquiry and expression. Together our distinct identities and beliefs reflect the richness of our global society.
