We, the undersigned librarians, library staff, library patrons, and library supporters, request that the American Library Association and its various divisions, including but not limited to the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL), the Public Library Association (PLA), and the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), create a policy that commits to holding future conferences and events in cities and states that have a record of social justice -- locales that are trying to protect and expand rights instead of removing them. ALA must stop holding events in places that are actively discriminating against members and library patrons on the basis of race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexuality, ability, national origin, language, religion, immigration status, pregnancy status, and more. 

No location is perfect. Systemic and structural inequities are rampant in the United States and world. This is about inclusion instead of exclusion. Some cities and states are trying to right the wrongs of centuries and implement inclusive laws and policies, while others, like Louisiana (the current site for LibLearnX 2023) and Florida (the current site for AASL 2023), for example, are trying to further enshrine oppression.

The American Library Association and its divisions must do better. We must stop supporting oppressive economies. We must stop urging members to attend events in places that are unsafe for them to do so.

Equity statements mean little if they are not backed by action.

Please, leaders of ALA, it's time to act.