Pride and Black History Month removed from Staffordshire Libraries’ schedule
Reform UK-led Staffordshire County Council has announced new guidance for libraries that appears to exclude celebrations such as Pride Month and Black History Month from its schedule. The news comes four months after the administration received backlash for banning Pride displays in its libraries earlier this year.
The new draft guidance outlines which events will be marked with library displays, including local history, St George's Day, Remembrance Day and Armed Forces Day, as well as promotion for fostering and recycling in the county. However, the draft schedule does not make space for Pride, Black History Month or non-Christian cultural events in the upcoming year. The council stressed that LGBTQ+ books and materials would remain available to borrow from the sixteen council-run libraries.
As part of the guidance, a Community Impact Assessment of the Staffordshire Libraries, Displays, Events and Activities Policy was undertaken in which potential risks were balanced against benefits. The assessment highlights: “The main community impact risk is that some residents, groups or partners may perceive decisions about displays, events or activities exclude their views, identity, community interests or local priorities.”
The guidance was considered by a Staffordshire County Council scrutiny committee on Thursday 22nd October, and will now be updated and considered by Cabinet on 18th November, when Councillors will vote on whether the guidance is approved.
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