Montana State Library Commission ends association with ALA due to ‘Marxist Lesbian’ President.

The Montana State Library Commission Votes to Cut Ties with the American Library Association

The Montana State Library Commission made a bold decision on Tuesday, voting to sever all ties with the American Library Association (ALA). The commission cited their inability to associate with a group led by a self-described “Marxist” as the reason for their decision.

Out of the six commissioners, five voted in favor of withdrawing from the ALA, while one voted against it and another abstained. The commission had taken issue with Emily Drabinski, the new president of the ALA, who had tweeted last year that she is a “Marxist lesbian.”

BREAKING: The Montana State Library Commission just officially voted to break all ties with the American Library Association over the fact that they elected a self-described “marxist lesbian” as their president.

They are the first state to separate from the ALA. pic.twitter.com/AS77PQ4eN6

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) July 11, 2023

The commission sent a letter to the ALA announcing their “immediate separation,” stating that their duty to the Constitution forbids association with an organization led by a Marxist.

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Drabinski, who was elected as the ALA president in April last year, responded to the Montana State Library Commission’s decision with a short tweet, expressing her disappointment.

That is not the Montana—or Montanans—I know.

— Emily Drabinski (@edrabinski) July 11, 2023

Before the vote, the commission held a public comment period to gather opinions from both sides. One Montana librarian, who has been involved in the library system for nearly 25 years, urged the commission to leave the ALA, criticizing the organization’s shift towards serving power rather than communities.

The proposal to withdraw from the ALA was put forward by Commissioner Tom Burnett, appointed by Republican Governor Greg Gianforte. Commissioner and Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen, also a Republican, supported the decision but left open the possibility of rejoining the ALA in the future if there are changes in leadership or direction.

Libraries have become a focal point in the cultural debate, with concerns raised about inappropriate content in children’s books. This decision by the Montana State Library Commission adds to the ongoing discussion surrounding the role of libraries in society.

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