Dr. Carla Hayden, a prominent leader of color, has become a target in the Trump administration’s efforts against diversity and inclusion in America’s cultural entities.
Appointed by former President Barack Obama in 2016, Hayden’s primary focus was to modernize the Library of Congress and convert its collection into digital format.
The Library of Congress, in addition to serving as the principal research entity for the U.S. Congress, holds an extensive array of resources including books, films, recordings, manuscripts, and various other materials, positioning it as one of the largest libraries globally.
Cindy Hohl is the president of the American Library Association, which is headquartered in Chicago.
“She has done such an exemplary effort in making sure that everyone understands what is accessible in that collection,” Hohl said.
Hayden held that same position in 2003. She had one year left in her term as librarian of Congress but was fired last week. A Trump administration official sent her a two-sentence email, addressing her as Carla.
“We felt she did not fit the needs of the American people. There were quite concerning things that she had done at the Library of Congress in the pursuit of DEI and putting inappropriate books in the library for children, and we don’t believe that she was serving the interests of the American taxpayer well, so she has been removed from her position, and the president is well within his rights to do that,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
The unexpected move infuriated Congressional Democrats.
Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Illinois) said in a statement, “There is not a shred of evidence that Dr. Hayden deserves to be fired. The Librarian’s termination is yet another example of President Trump’s cruel attack on the American people’s world-class cultural institutions and dedicated public servants.”
Hohl says libraries are under attack, but librarians will stand firm.
“We are here to help everyone have equal access to credible sources. And that should be considered a good thing,” Hohl said.
Hohl says she hopes legislators will investigate Hayden’s firing and hold hearings.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche has been named interim librarian of Congress.
Blanche was named the No. 2 Justice Department official after serving as Trump’s criminal defense attorney in two cases brought by the department during President Joe Biden’s administration. He is a former federal prosecutor who was a key figure on Trump’s defense team in his New York hush money trial, which ended in a conviction on 34 felony counts.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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