Race/Gender Database Removal Shakes MS Libraries

Mississippi libraries face academic database removal laws.

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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Mississippi Orders Race Relations Research Deleted

Imagine trying to learn about our history, about the struggles and triumphs concerning race and identity, only to find the resources gone. That’s what’s happening in Mississippi. The Mississippi Library Commission recently ordered the removal of crucial academic research collections focused on race and gender. These weren’t just random articles but state-funded databases available to students and the public across Mississippi.

Two specific research databases got the axe. The *Race Relations Abstracts* database covered crucial topics like ethnic studies, discrimination, and immigration (Report: Mississippi Libraries Ordered to Delete Academic Research…; Mississippi libraries ordered to delete academic research…; Mississippi libraries ordered to delete academic research…). The *Gender Studies Database* included 377 peer-reviewed journals discussing gender inequality, identity, and post-feminism. Furthermore, these vital tools were permanently deleted from the MAGNOLIA state database system, impacting countless learners (Report: Mississippi Libraries Ordered to Delete Academic Research…; Mississippi libraries ordered to delete academic research…).

MAGNOLIA: Mississippi’s Hub for Public Library Content Restrictions

So, what is MAGNOLIA? It’s not just a flower in Mississippi. MAGNOLIA stands for Mississippi Alliance for Gaining New Opportunities through Library Information Access. It’s a statewide project funded by the Mississippi Legislature. Its goal is to give free online access to research databases for publicly funded places like K-12 schools, public libraries, community colleges, and universities (Welcome to MAGNOLIA). Think of it as a vast digital library shared across the state.

Established in 1997, MAGNOLIA offers over 40 databases filled with peer-reviewed journals and research tools (Welcome to MAGNOLIA). This setup saves Mississippi institutions a lot of money – over $3.5 million yearly – because they don’t have to buy expensive database subscriptions individually (About MAGNOLIA). However, access isn’t totally open; it’s meant for Mississippi residents using it through participating libraries or schools. Since July 1, 2023, age filters have also been implemented (Welcome to MAGNOLIA; Mississippi libraries ordered to delete academic research). The removal of specific databases, therefore, impacts a wide range of users who rely on this shared resource.

New Laws Trigger Mississippi Library Research Ban

Why were these databases suddenly removed? The official reason points to state laws about “obscene materials” in public libraries. Specifically, Mississippi Library Commission Executive Director Hulen Bivins cited a 2023 law (Report: Mississippi Libraries Ordered to Delete Academic Research…; Mississippi libraries ordered to delete academic research…). This law seems connected to the age filters implemented in MAGNOLIA, requiring content to be “age-appropriate” (Welcome to MAGNOLIA).

However, the details are murky. The 2023 law defines “obscenity” broadly, and it’s not clear exactly how academic databases on race and gender fit that definition (Mississippi libraries ordered to delete academic research). Even Bivins admitted that other unspecified state laws were also used to justify the deletions (Report: Mississippi Libraries Ordered to Delete Academic Research…; Mississippi libraries ordered to delete academic research…). This lack of clarity leaves librarians and users guessing what content might be targeted next.

Uncertain Future Under Academic Database Removal Laws

The materials removed weren’t just opinion pieces. They included peer-reviewed journals, conference papers, student dissertations, and periodicals – the kind of in-depth research vital for higher education and understanding complex social issues (Report: Mississippi Libraries Ordered to Delete Academic Research…; Mississippi libraries ordered to delete academic research…). Losing access through the state-funded MAGNOLIA system creates a significant barrier, especially for smaller institutions or individuals who can’t afford alternatives.

Libraries technically *can* get these databases back, but there’s a catch. They would have to subscribe independently through the provider, EBSCO, at their own expense (Report: Mississippi Libraries Ordered to Delete Academic Research…; Mississippi libraries ordered to delete academic research…). Since MAGNOLIA saves the state millions, individual subscriptions could be prohibitively expensive (About MAGNOLIA). Moreover, library staff are left in the dark. They haven’t received guidance on determining if other materials might violate these vague state laws, creating uncertainty about future compliance and potential risks (Report: Mississippi Libraries Ordered to Delete Academic Research…; Mississippi libraries ordered to delete academic research…).

Gender Studies Censorship and “Destruction of Knowledge”

This decision hasn’t gone unnoticed or uncriticized. Some are calling it a “destruction of knowledge.” This is particularly concerning for minority communities in Mississippi, who often rely on public institutions for access to educational resources (Mississippi libraries ordered to delete academic research…). Removing databases specifically focused on race relations and gender studies directly impacts the ability to research and understand issues of equity, identity, and historical discrimination.

Experts see this move as part of a larger pattern. There are growing tensions across the country about controlling information and academic resources, especially in publicly funded institutions like libraries and universities (Mississippi libraries ordered to delete academic research…). Consequently, deleting these databases isn’t just about removing content; it’s about limiting perspectives and controlling the narrative around sensitive but essential topics like race and gender. For Black communities and other marginalized groups, access to this information is necessary for empowerment and advocating for change.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman has been a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.