Pierre, S.D. (Jul. 25, 2023) – The South Dakota Freedom Caucus fervently calls on the South Dakota Library Association to sever ties with the American Library Association, and categorically opposes any public funding or support, either directly or indirectly, from any South Dakota entity using taxpayer funds towards the American Library Association.
The South Dakota Freedom Caucus has joined other Freedom Caucuses and states across the nation in a united effort to shield our small town libraries, the South Dakota Library Association, and our local librarians from national pressures, which threaten to impose extremist policies and agendas that contradict our cherished small-town values.
“We are deeply committed to our state’s identity, values, and culture. We cannot allow them to be eroded by external influences that have no regard for our way of life,” said Representative Aaron Aylward, Chair of the South Dakota Freedom Caucus. “We are particularly troubled by the radical political ideology propagated by the American Library Association and their new president.”
Echoing these sentiments, Representative Tony Randolph, Vice Chair added, “We believe in freedom, respect, and integrity. Our public libraries are meant to serve as public spaces, not platforms for a select few to impose their ideologies and beliefs.”
This position arises from their concerns about the following areas:
- Violation of civil rights by religious discrimination: The Caucus believes that public libraries should be open to all and should not be used as a tool to prevent peaceful assembly promoting traditional family values among individuals holding Judeo-Christian beliefs.
- Promotion of critical race theory: The Caucus asserts that the distribution of critical race theory material in our schools and publicly-funded institutions is directly against the spirit of Executive Orders 2022-02 and 2021-11, signed by Governor Noem.
- Inappropriate content distribution: Directing libraries to promote and distribute books like Fun House by Allison Bechdel, which allegedly contain inappropriate visual depictions, is viewed as a significant concern by the Caucus.
- Collaboration with inappropriate organizations: Partnering with organizations that engage in activities considered indecent and potentially violating indecent exposure laws is another major concern.
Representative Tina Mulally, Freedom Caucus Treasurer, concluded, “We are not just fighting for our libraries; we are fighting for the soul of South Dakota. We want to ensure that our public institutions remain pillars of our communities, places where our children can grow and learn in an environment that respects and upholds our shared values.”
