LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — The Lafayette public library board of control president defended the new book display policy in a press release on Tuesday.

In a press release, Lafayette Public Library Board of Control President Daniel Kelly defended the board’s majority vote that recently revised and approved the Lafayette Public Library book display policy. Kelly says the new display policy will provide safeguard to protect children from graphic and sexually explicit material that may threaten their well-being, and respect parental authority.

Kelly further defended the board’s actions by alleging that news reports, social media, and those whose values are not in sync with “what’s best for children” have peddled false narratives and misinformation regarding the boards decision to revise the libraries’ book display policy.

The display policy was revised in March, with board member Allen Moore telling News 10 the decision to revise the previous policy was due to political issues.

“I believe that the library should be a place devoid of political agenda. We talk about social and ideological topics and other topics considered to be controversial or potentially controversial. I feel like that’s a very vague and ambiguous,” said Moore.

In May 2021, library displays of books, films or anything considered controversial were banned by then board director Danny Gillane. Due to this policy, libraries were prohibited from having displays during Pride and Black History Month, as well as banning the displays of cultural communities being featured.

This policy was recently momentarily overturned when Interim Director Sarah Monroe approved book displays during Black History Month. Shortly after this decision, the board gathered and voted six to one to amend the current policy. The current policy states that heritage and identity months should not be the focus or title of a display.

Kelly’s full statement:

LIBRARY_BOARD_OF_CONTROL_NEWS_RELEASE_book_display_policy_2024_04_23Download

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