The Montana State Library Commission has officially withdrawn from the American Library Association (ALA) due to concerns over the political views of its president, Emily Drabinski. The commission voted 5-1 (with one abstention) on Tuesday to sever ties with the national organization, citing Drabinski's self-description as a “Marxist lesbian” and her public statements about the role of libraries in societal change.
The commission's decision stems from Drabinski's remarks in an interview with Jacobin magazine, where she discussed libraries' potential involvement in addressing wealth inequality. Drabinski emphasized the importance of community engagement and shared struggles, suggesting that libraries should play a role in advocating for a more equitable distribution of resources.
The commission's letter to the ALA stated that their oath of office and commitment to the Constitution prevented them from associating with an organization led by a Marxist. Elsie Arntzen, Montana's Superintendent of Public Instruction, expressed strong support for the decision, criticizing Drabinski's alignment with Critical Race Theory and other “far-left ideologies.” Arntzen emphasized the importance of parental rights and traditional American values in education and library systems.
Drabinski, elected ALA president in April 2022, previously celebrated her victory in a now-deleted tweet, expressing excitement about the potential for collective action and social change. Following the Montana commission's vote, she tweeted her disagreement with their decision, suggesting it didn't reflect the true spirit of Montana or its residents.
