Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s administration is drawing sharp criticism for planning a taxpayer-funded retreat exclusively for “BIPOC” librarians. The event, scheduled for October, is designed specifically for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) librarians, and public funds will cover the costs of lodging, meals, and other fees, according to documents obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF).
The retreat, organized by Minnesota State Library Services, is intended as a professional development and networking opportunity for minority librarians. However, the event’s registration form excludes the option for white or heterosexual attendees, sparking backlash from those who see the retreat as racially divisive.
The controversy over this event isn’t the first time the Walz administration has come under fire for hosting racially exclusive programs. In 2022, the state’s Department of Education held “restorative justice” training that barred white teachers from attending. Similarly, the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs hosted events where white attendees could only participate as “allies” or “stakeholders” for non-white and LGBTQ veterans.
Nicole Cooke, a professor from the University of South Carolina who specializes in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), will be the keynote speaker for the retreat. Cooke has been a prominent voice in advocating for racial justice within educational and library systems and has argued that ignoring DEI issues in education amounts to malpractice. Her work in racial microaggressions and anti-racism has shaped much of her academic career.
Tamara Lee, the director of Minnesota State Library Services, is overseeing the event. Lee has been vocal about her commitment to racial equity and has written extensively on the role of libraries in promoting social justice. Her past work has included arguments that concepts like “niceness” can be tools of white supremacy and that libraries must educate children on racial activism from a young age.
The use of taxpayer funds for a racially exclusive event has raised concerns among critics, with many questioning whether public resources should be used for programs that exclude individuals based on race or sexuality. As the event draws near, it is expected to fuel ongoing debates over DEI initiatives within public institutions in Minnesota.
