[Nmtriblibs] EXTERNAL Vaccine Mandates

[Lujan, Nathaniel]

Aaliyah,

I believe it would be wrong for a Public Library to mandate vaccines, especially, when Public Libraries promote free thinking.

However, should the Pueblo or Nation (Sovereign Nation) decided to mandate vaccines with their lands as they have the right to do so and should the Tribal Public Library reside in those sovereign boundaries, then I would image that we would have to adhere to that sovereign law.

Here is in Isleta the vaccine is highly encourage but is not mandatory which I love.  Pueblo employees that are not vaccinated must undergo weekly COVID Rapid Testing.  At the moment, departments are allowed to offer daily services with a social gathering of no more than ten while adhering to the social distancing protocols.  Three weeks ago, thins were more relaxed and we were able to have programs (social gatherings) of no more than thirty while adhering to social distancing protocols.

Back to the question, I do not feel libraries should not deny people needed services due to their personal beliefs.  I believe that is a violation of the Library Bill of Rights specially the one that reads "A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background or views."  According to that, should a patron view the vaccine unsafe due to their educated research, then we are not allowed to deny them services.  Also keep in mind, some people are not allowed to get the vaccine for allergic reasons which is not their biological fault.

I also think that enforcing mandated vaccines for library service and resources could be a form or censorship.  Depending on how the enforcement is used and how one wants to argue the point.  In the end, it really boils down to the Sovereign Nations decision and the New Mexico State Libraries decision to uphold the Sovereign Law (NOTE: I am not a lawyer so do not quote me).

Despite my staff and I being at risk for helping the community with their essential business, I do not see us enforcing such mandates.  My staff and I are following through with our Pueblo's COVID protocols, such as conducting daily screening of patrons, disinfecting, daily fogging, mask wearing, etc...

Much of this email reflects my personal thought.  There are many more individuals among the NM Tribal Library Listserv that are far more intelligent than me and can provide you with a better point of view.  I wanted share my thoughts on the subject to add to the conversation.  Fun fact, in Elementary I had to take Special Education classes so be mindful of who you allow to persuade you.

Respectfully,


Nate

From: nmtriblibs-bounces at lists.zianet.com <nmtriblibs-bounces at lists.zianet.com> On Behalf Of Aaliyah Gonzales
Sent: Wednesday, November 24, 2021 1:50 PM
To: nmtriblibs at lists.zianet.com
Subject: EXTERNAL [Nmtriblibs] Vaccine Mandates

CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Hey All !

We were wondering if the thought of mandating vaccines has come up in your Library. We were asked about mandating vaccines for patrons to enter the Library and wanted to see what you all have thought about in doing this or if you already are doing this and what the process is?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Aaliyah Gonzales, she/her
Pueblo De San Ildefonso
agonzales at sanipueblo.org<mailto:agonzales at sanipueblo.org>
(505) 455-2635 work

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