Alabama Library Services Emphasizes Stance Against Gender Ideology
John Wahl, the chairman of the Alabama Public Library Services (APLS) Board and the Alabama Republican Party, has communicated a clear message: the Alabama library system is not aligned with “woke” ideologies.
He addressed public library supervisors in a formal letter, affirming the APLS’s support for President Trump’s executive order that restricts federal funding for promoting gender ideology. This directive was detailed in recent guidance from the Management and Budget Bureau that aims to bar federal funds from programs that advocate for such ideologies.
Wahl stated, “As the chairman of Alabama Public Library Services, I stand firmly behind President Trump’s executive order, protecting children from fundamental gender ideology and restoring biological truths.” He underscored that libraries in Alabama must remain spaces for learning rather than platforms for specific social agendas.
The letter, sent out on Wednesday, made it clear to local libraries that adherence to the executive order is crucial for retaining eligibility for federal grants managed by APLS. Libraries are urged to review their collections, programming, and policies to ensure that these federal funds are not used to promote gender ideology in any way.
Moreover, the letter cautioned that noncompliance with the new federal guidelines could lead to a loss of grant eligibility, potentially impacting library operations significantly. Wahl strongly encouraged library directors to thoroughly audit library policies and programming to sidestep any disruptions to their grant funding.
The executive order emphasizes that federal funds should not be used to propagate gender ideology, and the APLS is criticized for its role in managing Alabama’s library-related federal grant distribution.
Wahl also highlighted the sensitive nature of discussions around sexuality and gender identity, emphasizing the need for respect, care, and parental involvement. He expressed that taxpayer money should not be used to advance controversial social ideologies among youth without parental consent. “The Alabama Library should be a place where families feel safe, respected, and welcomed,” he added.
In a concluding remark, Wahl asserted that APLS’s actions do not constitute censorship but rather reflect a commitment to defending parental rights, biological truths, and childhood innocence. He expressed pride in aligning with Alabama families working to limit exposure of the next generation to inappropriate content.
