The publisher of the Grand Rapids, Michigan–based Equality Magazine filed a lawsuit March 11 against the Grand Rapids Public Library System, the library board, and Director Robert Raz claiming library officials have not reached out to African-American publications.
Robert LaDew claims the lawsuit is about fairness and not about the library’s refusal to advertise in his magazine, WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids reported. LaDew alleges the library’s refusal to place ads in his publication is the result of negative articles about its two-year-old Madison Square branch. The stories contend that the branch creates a danger for patrons due to its proximity to the street, while other libraries in predominately white areas of the city do not have the same flaws.
“They have not reached into the black community,” LaDew said. “Their hiring practices have been illegal. They don’t have enough African Americans and minorities working there.”
Library Communications Manager Susan Squire told American Libraries that they have been notified of the lawsuit. As for the library’s decision not to place ads in Equality, Squire said, “The publication was more costly to advertise in than others.”
Posted March 17, 2003.