Darby Library to host talk on Islam

By Michael Howell

The Darby Community Public Library Board confirmed its commitment last week to the ongoing Lifelong Learning Series of lectures with speakers provided by Montana Humanities and Tamarack, a library alliance. Library Director Wendy Campbell said she received some written complaints and phone calls objecting to the next scheduled presentation in the series by University of Montana Arabic language Professor Samir Bitar on March 9 entitled “Perspectives on Islam” and felt that the complaints required some consideration by the Board. Campbell said that the nature of the correspondence was so passionately against anything about the culture of Islam that she thought the Board of Trustees should address it immediately.

Connie Maki wrote in to say that she was against bringing “Islam teaching” into the school and the library.

“Go to Missoula if you want that sort of thing,” she wrote. “We do not want our taxes to go to this type of teaching. Islam is at war with the U.S.A.”

Rocky Lanier essentially echoed Maki’s remarks.

Bill Zoebison expressed his opposition to using the library “as a forum to promote a religion or culture. Either way Islam is very much opposed to our laws and way of life.”

Andis and Janice Ralston and Randy and Kathleen Welty all agreed.

Kathleen Welty wrote, “ If certain people want this man to speak, have him speak in their homes… not in a public facility paid for by taxpayers.”

Professor Bamir’s talk is referred to on the Darby Library’s website calendar as “a well-rounded understanding of Muslims and Muslim society.”

Campbell said, “In order for libraries to remain vital to our communities, we must fulfill our purpose to provide the public with opportunities to educate themselves on a wide variety of topics.” She said the library is a safe place for education where all residents enjoy the freedom to learn about history, current technology, and issues that are relevant today.
“Public libraries strive to provide the necessary information to help citizens make their own informed decisions,” she said, “Libraries do not seek to condone, condemn, or promote a specific topic or viewpoint.”

Campbell posted a public notice about the board meeting to discuss the issue and contacted every individual that had made a complaint and invited them to the meeting. She also invited the Town and the School. Mayor JC McDowell attended as did Darby School Superintendent Loyd Rennaker, Principal JP McCrossin and teacher Steve Gideon. She said about 10 members of the public were present.

Board member Barbara Ackerman said that she attended the meeting and people spoke “vociferously and at length.” She said people spoke in favor and against the lecture.

“One of the best things about being an American is that you can complain,” she said. “But in this case we have a mission, an obligation to educate.” Ackerman said it was an “opt in” program and no one was required to attend.

She said it was only one talk out of three in the ongoing lecture series. The first was held on February 10 when Montana-raised veteran, counselor and poet, Phillip Burgess, gave a talk called, “A Black Homesteader’s Struggle.” The third presentation following Basir’s talk on Islam, is a presentation by Ellen Baumler on April 6 entitled “Chinese in Montana: Our Forgotten Pioneers.” Ackerman said that she thought the Board did an excellent job of handling the complaints. She said they heard from people who opposed the lecture, but were unanimous in supporting the educational program.

Mayor JC McDowell said in an email to the Star, “It’s important to note this is ultimately about restricting discussion at a voluntary meeting in a public place for adults.” He said the topic of the public talk is secondary in the role to govern, after the importance for individuals to exercise their constitutionally protected rights.

“I don’t think the Town of Darby has any legal right to dictate to the Library Board who they choose for public talks or the topic of their discussion,” said McDowell.

Darby School Superintendent Loyd Rennaker said that the school was partnering with the library in the Lifelong Learning Series. He said the speakers come to the school as well as to the library. He said at the school a parent’s permission slip is required for students to attend the presentation. He said students without permission are provided with an alternative. He said that the school had not received any complaints.