Georgetown University has sought to accelerate its academic commitment to addressing racial justice, as well as to address the university's connection to the institution of slavery and the enduring legacy of racism and to undo the structural elements that sustain this legacy. (see President DeGioia's statement on Confronting Racism, May 31, 2020).
In alignment with the University's work on racial justice, the Library has undertaken several new initiatives.
Library Statement on Racial Justice
In June 2020, the Library developed its Statement on Racial Justice. The statement is a living document that will evolve to reflect the Library's actions and responses to the social and racial environment across our library, communities, and nation. The Library is committed to establishing meaningful ways it can become a more welcoming, diverse, equitable, and inclusive library -- a library that, in both word and deed, affirms the transcendent dignity and worth of every human person.
Library Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
In June 2020, Harriette Hemmasi, Dean of the Library, announced a new Library Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee to ensure that the Library has a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for staff and users. For 2020-2021, members of the committee are: Barrinton Baynes, Mary Beth Corrigan, Ben Cushing, Roxie France-Nuriddin, Steve Fernie, Megan Hunt, Clarissa Ihssen, Meg Meiman, LuLen Walker, and John Zarrillo. The Committee's work includes working with the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Affirmative Action to provide programming for library staff, assuming responsibility for updating the Library's Anti-Racism Toolkit, and setting goals for the year. To reach the Library's DEI Committee, email deilau@georgetown.edu.
Library Anti-Racism Toolkit
Georgetown University Research Services librarians created an Anti-Racism Toolkit in summer 2020 following the world-wide demonstrators against racism, injustice, and intolerance. The Toolkit was updated and given a new look in summer 2021 by the Library's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. The Toolkit includes subjects such as civil rights, criminal justice, systemic racism in education and medicine, as well as links to general interest books, guides at other universities, and key research databases.
University-Wide Racial Justice Information
- To find faculty experts, faculty publications, and courses on matters relating to Racial Justice, visit GUFaculty360 and enter your search.
- To find information on faculty in the media, visit Racial Justice – Subject Matter Experts.
- Many schools, departments, and centers have statements and programs in support of racial justice and anti-racism. For more information, visit our Georgetown University Racial Justice Statements page.