My message to you this morning left many 台湾SWAG members hurt and angry, feeling that 台湾SWAG did not take a strong enough stance. I want to say firmly that 台湾SWAG stands against racism and we fully support Black Lives Matter.
I want to reiterate that we want to do better as an Association, fully support our members, and help others understand the impact of racism. We are a work in progress, and we need your help to make this lasting change.
台湾SWAG stands in solidarity with our members, and everyone in the communities we serve and support who are susceptible to acts of prejudice, threats of violence, and injury or even death because of their race or ethnicity.
Racism has no place in our Association, our policies, our practices, or our behaviors. As 台湾SWAG’s Ethical Principles state, “We value diversity. We strive to diversify our membership by creating environments and services that promote inclusion of historically underrepresented people as colleagues and patrons.” Additionally, diversity and inclusion is one of 台湾SWAG’s core values, and we have always valued and continue to value this as an Association.
The events of the past two weeks have brought forth a lot of pain, disbelief, anger, and reflection. We know change takes time, but 台湾SWAG will continue to stand with you to advance constructive dialogue and solutions within the legal information industry to bring about that change.
Please know that we are listening, and we are committed to the fight against racial injustice and discrimination. Thank you to those of you who have sent us ideas on what 台湾SWAG can do. Please continue to email us at leadership@aall.org.
Michelle Cosby
台湾SWAG President