Freedom Oklahoma Statement on Special Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Public Library of Enid and Garfield County, Targeting 2SLGBTQ+ Representation

April 8, 2022

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Board of Directors of the Public Library of Enid and Garfield County have scheduled a last minute special meeting, with proposed policy removing 2SLGBTQ+ representation from exhibits and programming, the Monday following National Library Week. In response to this effort, Freedom Oklahoma issued the following statement: 

The following is attributable to Nicole McAfee, Freedom Oklahoma Executive Director: 

The spotlight has been focused on policies like Florida's "Don't Say Gay" law, but just as harmful and nefarious policies are being implemented one library system at a time. The Board of Directors for the Public Library of Enid and Garfield County could make their library next, with a special meeting scheduled for noon Monday April 11, published to the City meeting list, but not visible on the Library’s own website. This is not the first time a policy such as this has been considered in Enid, there was some level of pointed, public outcry after affirming exhibitions at the library celebrating Pride in 2021, but this time there is little way for people to get plugged in and voice their concerns ahead of moving forward with a censorship effort that ensures the Library is no longer a safe place where some of Garfield County’s most vulnerable residents can see themselves represented and celebrated. 

We know that the people of Enid and Garfield County pride themselves on their freedom. But censorship of exhibition and programming material, simply because some people are afraid or uncomfortable of other people’s gender or sexuality, is in direct opposition to freedom, and further, encourages a level of ignorance and fear not in line with the very values of the public library system. Every resident deserves access to information where they can see the full representation of their community, where they can learn about and celebrate differences, and where all information is available so that people can have access to honest, accurate information that gives them tools to learn from the past and create a better, more understanding future.

It’s shameful that the Board of Directors of the Library are engaging in tactics, through a special meeting, obviously meant to limit public discussion and debate. 2SLGBTQ+ people and their families in Garfield County deserve better than this. All of us who have ever found safety and refuge in libraries do. We hope that ahead of Monday the Board will not only rethink this policy, but also the way in which they’re trying to advance it.”

Nicole McAfee: they/she

We know that stories amplifying attacks on 2SLGBTQ+ people have a measurable negative impact on mental health. We ask that stories covering this topic include information to access 2SLGBTQ+ affirming mental health support, such as Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860), the Trevor Project (call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678), and the LGBT Hotline (888-843-4564)

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