Statement in Support of APALA

• By: REFORMA
• On: 03/16/2021 17:56:50
• In: News & Announcements

On March 3, 2021, the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA), released a statement condemning Anti-Asian violence. This past year there has been an increase in Asian-related hate crimes due to xenophobia, misinformation, and racism. Our country continues to see the effects of hateful rhetoric and misinformation disseminated by certain people of political power, racist and biased news commentators, and malicious actors on social media. This past year, we have seen hurtful, malicious acts  on our Asian community, such as the perpetuation of racist comments, hateful acts, and violence. There is  no place for hate in our libraries, organizations, or country. 

REFORMA stands in solidarity with APALA and condemns all racist hateful language and acts. We also continue to denounce anti-Blackness in our organizations and communities, acknowledging that we are  allies here to support our colleagues. Now is the time to come together in abolishing white supremacy in  and out of our institutions and build communities based on equity and inclusion. REFORMA joins APALA  in the call for all library and information professionals to rise up in condemning and combating hate,  discrimination, and xenophobia. 

In solidarity,

The REFORMA 2020-2021 Executive Committee

• Oscar Baeza, President
• Nicanor Diaz, Vice President/President-elect
• Kenny Garcia, Immediate Past President
• Alma Ramos-McDermott, Secretary
• Denice Adkins, Treasurer
• Manny Figueroa, Eastern Region Chapter Representative
• David Lopez, Western Region Chapter Representative
• Allina Migoni, Member-at-Large Representative 

Established in 1971, REFORMA has actively sought to promote the development of library collections to include Spanish language and Latino-oriented materials; the recruitment of more bilingual and bicultural library professionals and support staff;  the development of library services and programs that meet the needs of the Latino community; the establishment of a national  information and support network among individuals who share our goals; the education of the U.S. Latino population with  regard to the availability and types of library services; and lobbying efforts to preserve existing library resource centers serving  the interests of Latinos. For more information on REFORMA, visit reforma.org.