The Walz administration is under fire for organizing a racially exclusive retreat for “BIPOC” librarians in Minnesota. The event, which is scheduled to take place in October, will be fully funded by taxpayers and is intended solely for librarians who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color, according to documents obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF).
The retreat, described as a professional development opportunity for “BIPOC” librarians, will be paid for with public funds, covering lodging, meals, and other costs. Notably, the registration form for the event excludes the option for white or heterosexual attendees.
This event continues a trend within the Walz administration of holding racially segregated programs. In 2022, the administration barred white educators from attending a Department of Education “restorative justice” training, and similar restrictions were placed on veterans’ programs by the state’s Department of Veterans Affairs.
Nicole Cooke, a University of South Carolina professor and a prominent advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), is set to be the keynote speaker. Cooke has argued that it is essential for libraries to focus on racial justice and DEI principles. Her work promotes the idea that failing to educate students on these topics is a form of professional malpractice.
Tamara Lee, who leads Minnesota State Library Services and is overseeing the event, has made similar arguments in her past work. She has been a vocal proponent of anti-racism in libraries and has written extensively on the importance of teaching children about racial justice from an early age.
The use of public funds for a racially segregated event has drawn criticism from conservatives and others who view it as discriminatory. The event has raised questions about how public institutions in Minnesota are prioritizing DEI initiatives and whether these initiatives are in line with the values of all state residents.
