Statement from the Virginia Library Association about the Events of August 11-12, 2017

The Virginia Library Association condemns the violence and terror committed by the “Unite the Right” rally of white supremacists in Charlottesville this past weekend. We express our condolences to the families of Heather Heyer, Lieutenant H. Jay Cullen, Trooper-Pilot Berke M. M. Bates, and we send our thoughts and prayers to all those injured in the car attack and other incidents on Saturday.

Diversity and inclusion are among the Virginia Library Association’s core values, and we represent library professionals who seek to serve all residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia. We come from a variety of political perspectives and affiliations, and value diversity of thought, but we unequivocally reject the white supremacist ideology, exclusion, and intimidation represented at the “Unite the Right” march.

VLA has added a session to our conference program at 2:15pm on Friday, October 13, about the events in Charlottesville. The program will be hosted by members of the staff of Jefferson-Madison Regional Library.

The Virginia Library Association 2017 Executive Committee