EPL apologizes for racist image.

In a news release today, the Evanston Public Library (EPL) apologized "to the entire Evanston community" for its use of a racist image in a display designed to promote its upcoming November 2 program, "Police Reform: Progress and Pitfalls, A Mini-Course," offered by the Northwestern University Emeriti Organization and EPL.

The image that was used, according to EPL spokesperson Renee Neumeier, was an American flag with a thin blue line. The controversial version of the U.S. flag has been criticized by many as a symbol of white supremacy.

Neumeier said the library received complaints about the image from residents as well as Library staff.

"We acknowledge the harm this image has caused in our community, particularly for those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or POC," the release said. "The library is committed to identifying, understanding, and rectifying our injustices past and current, as well as developing anti-racist policies and procedures that promote equity."

Neumeier said the library continues to encourage the community to partner with EPL to eradicate systems of oppression by attending its community listening sessions to share thoughts and suggestions.

Read more about the history of the American flag with a blue line in Politico .

La Biblioteca Pública de Evanston (EPL) se disculpa con toda la comunidad de Evanston por nuestro uso de imágenes racistas en una exhibición diseñada para promover nuestro próximo programa, "Reforma policial: Progreso y obstáculos, un mini-curso ofrecido por NU Emeriti Organization y EPL,” el 2 de noviembre. Reconocemos el daño que esta imagen ha causado en nuestra comunidad, particularmente para aquellos que se identifican como BIPOC. La biblioteca se compromete a identificar, comprender y rectificar nuestras injusticias pasadas y actuales, así como a desarrollar políticas y procedimientos antirracistas que promuevan la equidad. Por la presente, nos comprometemos a desarrollar un sistema para una revisión más sensible de los borradores de señalización, programas, colecciones, policías, y procedimientos para captar imágenes potencialmente ofensivas antes de su inclusión en las pantallas.

Seguimos invitando a nuestra comunidad a asociarse con EPL para erradicar los sistemas de opresión que nos dañan a todos. Acompáñenos en nuestras sesiones de escucha de la comunidad para compartir sus pensamientos y sugerencias.