SLA Reaffirms Support for Asian and Pacific Islander Members

Association seeks to be ‘safe and welcoming space’ for all

McLean, Virginia, 19 March 2021—The recent shooting rampage in Atlanta, which left eight people, including six Asian women, dead, is a stark reminder of the violence and discrimination perpetrated against Asian communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we mark the one-year anniversary of the pandemic, SLA reaffirms its commitment to taking a leadership role in eliminating racism in our profession.

“As an association, we must work to ensure a safe and welcoming space within our association,” said 2021 SLA President Tara Murray Grove. “We must also commit to making our profession a safe and welcoming space for individuals from diverse backgrounds.”

On June 3, 2020, SLA issued a statement against racism and unequal treatment and a call to action. SLA maintains a webpage on diversity, equity, and inclusion documenting the steps the association has taken and continues to take to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for members and partners. The page includes links to policies, guidelines, and education and training resources.

“We all have a role in creating the community we want to be,” said Grove. “Let us all educate ourselves, listen to the voices of those who have been excluded and marginalized, and promote and share access to accurate information.”

About SLA
The Special Libraries Association (SLA) is a nonprofit international organization for innovative information professionals and their strategic partners. SLA serves information professionals in more than 50 countries and in a range of working environments, including business, academia, and government agencies. SLA promotes and strengthens its members through learning, advocacy, and networking initiatives. For more information, visit sla.org.

Contact
Kathy Bradley
kbradley@sla.org
+1.703.647.4900