- United States
- Ohio
- Letter
Congress must safeguard the position of Librarian of Congress from partisan interference and ensure it remains independent. The abrupt firing of Dr. Carla Hayden, the first woman and African American to hold this role, without due process or justification, undermines the Library's integrity. As a nonpartisan institution vital to preserving American heritage and promoting knowledge, the Library should not be subject to political whims. Protecting the Librarian's term limits and appointing future Librarians through a non-partisan process is crucial to upholding democratic norms and shielding this office from undue influence. The Librarian's dismissal threatens to erode public trust and sets a concerning precedent of retaliating against civil servants. Immediate action is needed to reinstate Dr. Hayden and institute robust measures to insulate this position from improper removal going forward.