Members of the Indianapolis Library Workers Union and current employees of the Indianapolis Public Library (IndyPL) continue to call for the removal of IndyPL CEO Jackie Nytes and board of trustees President José Salinas following allegations of racism and discrimination.
“The community is responsible for the library, and the community should have a voice of what happens at the library,” Michael Torres, president of the Library Workers Union, said at a union meeting July 7.
At the meeting, special collections librarian Stephen Lane said the “toxicity starts at the top of IndyPL leadership.” Lane referenced board member Patricia Payne’s earlier comments that the “library is run like a plantation,” saying the union is trying to “get rid of the master who oppresses us,” referencing Nytes.
Earlier this year, former library worker Bree Flannelly shared her experiences with alleged racism during a virtual board meeting. Before she could speak, Salinas muted her. She was eventually allowed to speak after Payne and board member Khaula Murtadha told Salinas to unmute her.
In a previous interview with the Recorder, Salinas said he muted her due to concerns she would discuss internal issues in the library, and said he’s “disheartened” if people think he isn’t sensitive to discrimination.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their support,” Flannelly said at the meeting July 7 . “It’s been hard, but I’m glad so many people have been inspired to speak out.”
Flannelly encouraged current workers to “not get gaslit” by IndyPL leadership and to “continue to push things.”
Following Flannelly’s address to the board, several other employees — both former and current — shared their own experiences with racism and called for Nytes to step down.
“We can’t fix the problem if the person at the top is the problem,” one current employee, who requested anonymity to protect employment, said.
In previous interviews with the Recorder, Nytes said she has no intentions of stepping down, and said library workers are “all on a journey together.”
Lane said many Black and brown employees, however, aren’t in the same boat as Nytes and other members of leadership.
“We need leaders who have already been on the journey and who’ve already done the readings,” Lane said.
Contact staff writer Breanna Cooper at 317-862-7848. Follow her on Twitter @BreannaNCooper.
