Scope
American public libraries support an individual’s First Amendment right to free speech. However, the public library, at the heart of a community’s civic life, must be a safe and inclusive place for people of all ages to come and to enjoy. The Library embraces, celebrates, and reflects our diverse community and country. We strive to create an environment where people from varied backgrounds and experiences can engage with one another respectfully, explore ideas and art, evaluate information, and acquire new skills and knowledge - including learning about human experiences and perspectives which are different from their own.
Hate speech, including all forms of expression, as defined in this policy and directed at a member of the public or staff, clearly violates our Code of Conduct Policy. (1)
Therefore, the East Brunswick Public Library will not tolerate hate speech directed at patrons, members of the public, or staff.
Definition
Uslegal.com definition: [Hate speech] ... is an incitement to hatred primarily against a group of persons defined in terms of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and the like. Hate speech can be any form of expression regarded as offensive to racial, ethnic and religious groups and other discrete minorities or to women. (2)
Further, violations of this policy will be considered violations of, and enforced in accordance with, the Library’s Code of Conduct Policy, which specifies:
- Respect for other Library users shall be maintained at all times.
- Patrons and staff will treat others with respect.
- Any Library user, in the opinion of the staff, who is engaging in conduct inconsistent with the orderly operation of the library, will be asked to leave.