Sign On to Support Lafayette Library!
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209 signatures
Goal: 10,000 signatures
Lafayette Parish Library Board of Control Council Members: We, the undersigned, are writing to you today regarding our grave concerns with respect to the recent actions of the Lafayette Public Library Board of Control, and to ask that you, with the authority you hold to appoint and remove members of the board, take immediate action.
To put it succinctly, the Lafayette Parish Library is currently under attack from its own Board of Control. During a special meeting held on February 3rd, 2021, it was made clear to the community that this board overstepped its boundaries regarding policy, and the members’ poor treatment of a dedicated library director has cost our community greatly. The board's instigation of a fight over a grant related to programming on the history of voter rights has embarrassed our city on a national stage and can only be described as an act of racism.
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Upon opening the meeting, the board president, Doug Palombo, began with a rant that was riddled with numerous lies, any of which a quick fact check can easily disprove. Not only was there complete disregard of Robert's Rules of Order, but it was another example of this board considering itself free to do as they wish by completely ignoring the agenda set forth.
During this rant Mr. Palombo had the audacity to try and completely discredit our long- serving parish library director, Teresa Elberson, but the facts remain on her side. While it is clear that a vague request was made to Ms. Elberson during the December board meeting to cover "both sides" of voting rights history, no specific guidance was given as to what the “other side” constituted. In good faith, however, she attempted to follow-up on this request by contacting both invited speakers and the grant's sponsor, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. All parties involved confirmed to Ms. Elberson that it was not a partisan presentation. What more did the board members expect, for Ms. Elberson to schedule an actual KKK member who would say voting rights were only for white people, and hearken back to the “good old days” of attack dogs, fire hoses, and other terrorist tactics?
We would also like to note that nine other library systems in Louisiana have received this grant, including Ascension, St. Tammany, Jeff Davis, Orleans, and Rapides Parish, and none have voiced the same concerns regarding content. In a time of fiscal strain, to see Lafayette Parish turn down free money for the education of its citizens when other parishes have accepted it gratefully, is an embarrassment, to say the least.
Your donations help us support libraries like Lafayette!
Please consider a $10-$25 donation today.
As the meeting continued, Mr. Palombo, along with board member Landon Boudreaux, continued to deny facts that are on record from the January 25th regular board meeting. It is absolutely clear on the audio recording from that prior meeting that board members Stephanie Armbruster, Boudreaux, Palombo, and Adele Blue discussed this library program with political interests in mind. Armbruster is on record stating that since Lafayette parish is majority conservative and votes conservative, “we need to represent our constituents.” At the February 3rd special meeting, Palombo and Boudreaux spent a considerable amount of time attempting to recast those comments as a bid to keep the library “apolitical.”
They can repeat the term ‘apolitical’ all they want, but their comments make it clear that their intentions are anything but apolitical, unless, of course, they are themselves in need of the library’s reference resources in order to look up the word’s definition. It’s an insult to the intelligence of the citizens of Lafayette Parish to insist that Armbruster’s comment on January 25th, when she objected to the speakers Ms. Elberson had scheduled because, “these two speakers are extremely, extremely far left leaning,” is an attempt to be ‘apolitical.’
These board members clearly came in with an agenda to represent conservative political viewpoints. The public library, however, is no place for partisan political games such as the ones these board members are trying to play. Instead, the public library should be a place that facilitates the free exchange of ideas, a welcoming space where all members of the community feel served and feel proud to call their own.
Further evidence of the board’s incompetence was discovered as the February 3rd meeting went on, when board members revealed their complete ignorance of their own responsibilities and library policy. The board's role in the library does not involve programming, but since the board was unaware such policies were in place it seems apparent they aren't clear on the duties of the positions they currently hold. During the meeting, a member of the public read aloud the following portions of the library programming policy, which can be found on the library website:
“The ultimate responsibility for programming at the Library rests with the Library Director, who administers under the authority of the Library Board of Control. The Library Director delegates the authority for program management to the Head of Programming, who works with librarians and staff members whose job responsibilities involve program development and delivery.” “All Library programs are free of charge and open to the public. Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by the participants. Program topics, speakers, and resources are not excluded from programs because of possible controversy. The Library adheres to the principles endorsed in the Library Bill of Rights.”
The speaker then asked what the positive benefit was in the board violating their own policies and procedures in denying this grant. He further asked who they would recommend to speak as a counterpoint to the history of voting rights, as their stated reason for denying the grant was due to it “not...represent(ing) the other side.” What, might one ask, is the other side of voting rights? Mr. Palombo responded with, “Where are you reading..where did you get this policy again?” When the speaker informed him of its location on the website, Palombo replied, “I’m an honest person. I’m going to tell you I didn't even know that was there.” He did not answer the question regarding a suggested speaker.
The library's programming policy was approved by the Board of Control on July 15, 2019. Mr. Palombo was named board President in September 2019. In the Library Bill of Rights, one will find article VI, which a Library Director is expected to uphold:
"VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use."
With regards to this policy, which the Lafayette Public Library System follows, Ms. Elberson did her job properly. The Board of Control, on the other hand, clearly overstepped its bounds. During the meeting on February 3rd, Mr. Palombo blamed Ms. Elberson for the board’s decision to refuse the grant.
It is our position that it was never theirs to refuse. Library Board of Control members who do not know or follow their own policies do not belong on the board. That, we believe, is clear. In fact, the stated purpose of this special meeting on February 3rd was to appoint an Interim Director of the library system, yet no board members had a job description of the position nor any idea of what the Director was responsible for. When Larry Angelle was offered the interim position, the board was unable to provide clear direction on what that would entail. Who could possibly fault Larry for not wanting to get caught up in the mess that this board has created?
It is apparent to all that this board is trying to micromanage a library they know nothing about. Visiting the library as a child does not qualify one to be a board member; we need people with education, experience, and compassion for the community they serve. Doug Palombo, Stephanie Armbruster, Adele Blue, and Landon Boudreaux must resign, or be removed, from the board immediately. Not only have they violated library policy, but they are wholly unqualified and unprepared for the job. We need a Board of Control that knows the library is more than just a budget; a board that is diverse, representing all citizens; a board committed to guiding the library to a better future for all. What we do not need is a partisan-appointed megaphone for conservative views focused solely on cutting funding and censoring history to serve their own narrative. We deserve board members who are committed to the work of the library and not political affiliation.
Libraries are essential to the preservation of a free society—they welcome truth, controversy, and information for the betterment of everyone.
Consistent with the guidance from the city attorney at the meeting dated September 18, 2018, we are requesting that the Lafayette Parish Council take immediate action to remove Doug Palombo, Landon Boudreaux, Stephanie Armbruster, and Adele Blue for their blatant violation of the library’s programming policy adopted on July 15, 2019. It should be noted that the Board of Control admitted on the record that they had no idea that library policy restricted the actions they took.
In addition, the board’s character assassination of Ms. Elberson is a violation of her rights as an employee, and quite frankly shows its blind violation of the policies adopted in the interest of protecting the library from political influence. We believe that these actions have put the library and the city at potential legal risk for no reason other than scoring cheap political points. A public apology is owed to Ms. Teresa Elberson and the black community of Lafayette.
Lafayette has been embarrassed on a national stage. You have the opportunity to right this wrong. We expect to see immediate action on this issue.
Thank you,
Concerned Voters of Lafayette Parish
ATTACHMENTS:
National News Stories With Negative Publicity for Lafayette Parish:
What’s The “Other Side?”: A Clash Over Voting Rights History in Louisiana Library, Book Riot, 01 February 2021
A Louisiana library got a grant for a voting rights program. Its board rejected the money, citing ‘far left’ content. The Washington Post, 05 February 2021
Statements of Support for the Lafayette Public Library:
The American Library Association & United for Libraries
The Louisiana Chapter of the NAACP and Stand Black
Supporters of Lafayette Public Libraries (Facebook Group)
The Louisiana Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union
The League of Women Voters, Lafayette
209 signatures
Goal: 10,000 signatures
Lafayette Parish Library Board of Control Council Members: We, the undersigned, are writing to you today regarding our grave concerns with respect to the recent actions of the Lafayette Public Library Board of Control, and to ask that you, with the authority you hold to appoint and remove members of the board, take immediate action.
To put it succinctly, the Lafayette Parish Library is currently under attack from its own Board of Control. During a special meeting held on February 3rd, 2021, it was made clear to the community that this board overstepped its boundaries regarding policy, and the members’ poor treatment of a dedicated library director has cost our community greatly. The board's instigation of a fight over a grant related to programming on the history of voter rights has embarrassed our city on a national stage and can only be described as an act of racism.
Help us spread the word. Please click to share this sign-on letter on Facebook and Twitter.
Upon opening the meeting, the board president, Doug Palombo, began with a rant that was riddled with numerous lies, any of which a quick fact check can easily disprove. Not only was there complete disregard of Robert's Rules of Order, but it was another example of this board considering itself free to do as they wish by completely ignoring the agenda set forth.
During this rant Mr. Palombo had the audacity to try and completely discredit our long- serving parish library director, Teresa Elberson, but the facts remain on her side. While it is clear that a vague request was made to Ms. Elberson during the December board meeting to cover "both sides" of voting rights history, no specific guidance was given as to what the “other side” constituted. In good faith, however, she attempted to follow-up on this request by contacting both invited speakers and the grant's sponsor, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. All parties involved confirmed to Ms. Elberson that it was not a partisan presentation. What more did the board members expect, for Ms. Elberson to schedule an actual KKK member who would say voting rights were only for white people, and hearken back to the “good old days” of attack dogs, fire hoses, and other terrorist tactics?
We would also like to note that nine other library systems in Louisiana have received this grant, including Ascension, St. Tammany, Jeff Davis, Orleans, and Rapides Parish, and none have voiced the same concerns regarding content. In a time of fiscal strain, to see Lafayette Parish turn down free money for the education of its citizens when other parishes have accepted it gratefully, is an embarrassment, to say the least.
Your donations help us support libraries like Lafayette!
Please consider a $10-$25 donation today.
As the meeting continued, Mr. Palombo, along with board member Landon Boudreaux, continued to deny facts that are on record from the January 25th regular board meeting. It is absolutely clear on the audio recording from that prior meeting that board members Stephanie Armbruster, Boudreaux, Palombo, and Adele Blue discussed this library program with political interests in mind. Armbruster is on record stating that since Lafayette parish is majority conservative and votes conservative, “we need to represent our constituents.” At the February 3rd special meeting, Palombo and Boudreaux spent a considerable amount of time attempting to recast those comments as a bid to keep the library “apolitical.”
They can repeat the term ‘apolitical’ all they want, but their comments make it clear that their intentions are anything but apolitical, unless, of course, they are themselves in need of the library’s reference resources in order to look up the word’s definition. It’s an insult to the intelligence of the citizens of Lafayette Parish to insist that Armbruster’s comment on January 25th, when she objected to the speakers Ms. Elberson had scheduled because, “these two speakers are extremely, extremely far left leaning,” is an attempt to be ‘apolitical.’
These board members clearly came in with an agenda to represent conservative political viewpoints. The public library, however, is no place for partisan political games such as the ones these board members are trying to play. Instead, the public library should be a place that facilitates the free exchange of ideas, a welcoming space where all members of the community feel served and feel proud to call their own.
Further evidence of the board’s incompetence was discovered as the February 3rd meeting went on, when board members revealed their complete ignorance of their own responsibilities and library policy. The board's role in the library does not involve programming, but since the board was unaware such policies were in place it seems apparent they aren't clear on the duties of the positions they currently hold. During the meeting, a member of the public read aloud the following portions of the library programming policy, which can be found on the library website:
“The ultimate responsibility for programming at the Library rests with the Library Director, who administers under the authority of the Library Board of Control. The Library Director delegates the authority for program management to the Head of Programming, who works with librarians and staff members whose job responsibilities involve program development and delivery.” “All Library programs are free of charge and open to the public. Library sponsorship of a program does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the program or the views expressed by the participants. Program topics, speakers, and resources are not excluded from programs because of possible controversy. The Library adheres to the principles endorsed in the Library Bill of Rights.”
The speaker then asked what the positive benefit was in the board violating their own policies and procedures in denying this grant. He further asked who they would recommend to speak as a counterpoint to the history of voting rights, as their stated reason for denying the grant was due to it “not...represent(ing) the other side.” What, might one ask, is the other side of voting rights? Mr. Palombo responded with, “Where are you reading..where did you get this policy again?” When the speaker informed him of its location on the website, Palombo replied, “I’m an honest person. I’m going to tell you I didn't even know that was there.” He did not answer the question regarding a suggested speaker.
The library's programming policy was approved by the Board of Control on July 15, 2019. Mr. Palombo was named board President in September 2019. In the Library Bill of Rights, one will find article VI, which a Library Director is expected to uphold:
"VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use."
With regards to this policy, which the Lafayette Public Library System follows, Ms. Elberson did her job properly. The Board of Control, on the other hand, clearly overstepped its bounds. During the meeting on February 3rd, Mr. Palombo blamed Ms. Elberson for the board’s decision to refuse the grant.
It is our position that it was never theirs to refuse. Library Board of Control members who do not know or follow their own policies do not belong on the board. That, we believe, is clear. In fact, the stated purpose of this special meeting on February 3rd was to appoint an Interim Director of the library system, yet no board members had a job description of the position nor any idea of what the Director was responsible for. When Larry Angelle was offered the interim position, the board was unable to provide clear direction on what that would entail. Who could possibly fault Larry for not wanting to get caught up in the mess that this board has created?
It is apparent to all that this board is trying to micromanage a library they know nothing about. Visiting the library as a child does not qualify one to be a board member; we need people with education, experience, and compassion for the community they serve. Doug Palombo, Stephanie Armbruster, Adele Blue, and Landon Boudreaux must resign, or be removed, from the board immediately. Not only have they violated library policy, but they are wholly unqualified and unprepared for the job. We need a Board of Control that knows the library is more than just a budget; a board that is diverse, representing all citizens; a board committed to guiding the library to a better future for all. What we do not need is a partisan-appointed megaphone for conservative views focused solely on cutting funding and censoring history to serve their own narrative. We deserve board members who are committed to the work of the library and not political affiliation.
Libraries are essential to the preservation of a free society—they welcome truth, controversy, and information for the betterment of everyone.
Consistent with the guidance from the city attorney at the meeting dated September 18, 2018, we are requesting that the Lafayette Parish Council take immediate action to remove Doug Palombo, Landon Boudreaux, Stephanie Armbruster, and Adele Blue for their blatant violation of the library’s programming policy adopted on July 15, 2019. It should be noted that the Board of Control admitted on the record that they had no idea that library policy restricted the actions they took.
In addition, the board’s character assassination of Ms. Elberson is a violation of her rights as an employee, and quite frankly shows its blind violation of the policies adopted in the interest of protecting the library from political influence. We believe that these actions have put the library and the city at potential legal risk for no reason other than scoring cheap political points. A public apology is owed to Ms. Teresa Elberson and the black community of Lafayette.
Lafayette has been embarrassed on a national stage. You have the opportunity to right this wrong. We expect to see immediate action on this issue.
Thank you,
Concerned Voters of Lafayette Parish
ATTACHMENTS:
National News Stories With Negative Publicity for Lafayette Parish:
What’s The “Other Side?”: A Clash Over Voting Rights History in Louisiana Library, Book Riot, 01 February 2021
A Louisiana library got a grant for a voting rights program. Its board rejected the money, citing ‘far left’ content. The Washington Post, 05 February 2021
Statements of Support for the Lafayette Public Library:
The American Library Association & United for Libraries
The Louisiana Chapter of the NAACP and Stand Black
Supporters of Lafayette Public Libraries (Facebook Group)
The Louisiana Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union
The League of Women Voters, Lafayette