Due to concerns for the safety of their staff, Washoe County Libraries has canceled their Drag Story Hour program.
According to a statement issued by Our Center, the cancellation comes after a small group of protestors injured a library employee and harassed parents and children as they entered the library.
Our Center says the decision did not come lightly, it was made after a recommendation from the Washoe County Libraries Workplace Violence Committee decided it was necessary to further avoid putting any of their employees or the public at risk.
In the statement, Our Center says that the Workplace Violence committee in canceling the program has rewarded the behavior of the protestors but that the libraries did not want to condone any violence or bad behavior.
A spokesperson for the Washoe County Library issued the following statement: "Washoe County Library is committed to continuing to partner with Our Center. We value their organization and their mission. Our Center is a regular stop for our bookmobile, and we will partner with them on future programming.
"We're also committed to providing a safe and inclusive space for all members of the Northern Nevada community, including our LGBT+ community members.
"The county manager's office made the decision to stop our participation with this specific event, Drag Story Hour, because of threats and violence directed toward members of our staff by a small group of very hostile and aggressive protesters."
The Drag Story Hour program was started as a way to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and LGBTQIA+ representation in the community.
Its focus was to promote acceptance and understanding within the community in a place that encouraged literacy and acceptance of all people, including those who identify as LGBTQIA+.
The program featured drag performers reading age-appropriate stories to children and their parents.
"We stand firm in our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the fundamental rights of every individual," stated Stacey Spain, Executive Director of Our Center.
"The Drag Story Hour program exemplified these values, and it is deeply disappointing that outside influences have necessitated its cancellation. We will continue to explore alternative ways to promote understanding and celebrate diversity in our community."
Our Center says they appreciate the community members and Washoe County library staff who supported the program.
They hope that Washoe County officials will look further into their position and take a more proactive stance taking action to protect all community events from harassment and intimidation.
In a statement released from The ACLU of Nevada, they are already looking into ways to take action on their own in this matter.
“Washoe County should be working to make sure everyone can express themselves safely, not pushing LGBTQ+ communities out of our public libraries because of the actions of a few extremists.
"Our team is looking into the matter, and let it be known that we will consider every option available to us as we continue to fight to protect the rights of our LGBTQ siblings, friends and neighbors.”
