The Furman University Libraries acknowledges that some of the historical content within our Digital Collections may contain language, images, or stereotypes that might be difficult or harmful to view given today’s social, cultural, and economic context. Such content may include the depiction of racist or discriminatory attitudes toward marginalized communities, and the use of outdated, biased, and offensive terms.  

We recognize that there is a legacy of structural racism—and other systems of oppression, such as heteronormativity, sexism, and ableism—that has permeated our society, institutions, and professional practices, and we actively seek ways to identify and work through our biases to help dismantle systemic oppression. We are guided by Furman’s principles of Inclusive Excellence to support the integration of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts and to effect intergenerational justice.  

If you come across offensive text that does not come from the original historical record, but from a finding aid, catalog record, or other description created by library employees, please bring this to our attention by contacting the Digital Collections Center at digitalcollections@furman.edu. Offensive language that comes from the original historical record, however, can inform our community about the people who created it and the society in which they produced it. In such cases, we will review the description and update it in a way that we believe preserves historical integrity, while raising awareness of the impact language can have on users and on those depicted in our collections. These revisions may include providing additional context and/or replacing problematic lexicon.  

We welcome your feedback on this statement and encourage your suggestions for revising it via email to digitalcollections@furman.edu. 

Statement inspired by statements crafted by Princeton University, Tufts University, and the University of Nebraska-Omaha.