SIBA Inclusivity Statement

On April 15, 2025, the SIBA Board elected to strengthen the organization's commitment to equity and unequivocally declare its dedication to inclusivity and diversity by releasing an official SIBA Inclusivity Statement.

The statement builds on the goals of the organization's earlier Statement Against Racism, opening with "SIBA is committed to antiracism, representation, inclusion, equity, and access in all that we do. We believe that diversity and diverse perspectives make our organization stronger and we are committed to equity, dignity, and diversity for all Peoples."

Some of the commitments it makes are to advocate for diversity in the book industry, work with publishers towards a truly representative industry, and to require diverse representation at SIBA events and in SIBA promotions.

SIBA Inclusivity Statement

SIBA is committed to antiracism, representation, inclusion, equity, and access in all that we do. We believe that diversity and diverse perspectives make our organization stronger and we are committed to equity, dignity, and diversity for all Peoples. SIBA will:

• Ensure that SIBA policies and procedures are antiracist, create opportunities for everyone, and demonstrate support for historically marginalized Peoples.

• Support and advocate for diverse colleagues, employees, bookstore owners, booksellers, authors, and publishers and other entities in, and that impact, the book industry.

• Actively work with publishers and authors toward a more representative book industry in which all voices are heard.

• Require representation of Black, BIPOC, queer, disabled, and other marginalized authors and books at SIBA events and in SIBA promotions and advertising.

• Meet as staff throughout the year to discuss topics and educate ourselves on issues related to antiracism, antidiscrimination, microaggressions, and supporting underrepresented Peoples.

• Commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion training for staff and Board members.

• Commit to the core values of mutual respect, listening, empathy, and empowered participation.

• Commit to being socially responsible in our business practices, from where we bank and invest our funds, to supporting equity, access, and sustainability when planning our gatherings and conferences. 

• Commit to transparency and accountability on our antiracist, diversity, equity, and inclusion, access and representation initiatives, and will actively report what we are doing to the membership.