PCCLD OFFICIAL RESPONSE

July 18, 2025

 

Contacts: 

 Nick Potter                                          
Executive Director of the Pueblo Library Foundation & Strategic Initiatives
Pueblo City-County Library District       
(719) 562-5605                                  
nick.potter@pueblolibrary.org

Sherri Baca

Executive Director

Pueblo City-County Library District

(719) 562-5652

sherri.baca@pueblolibrary.org

 

Official Statement Following Council Member’s Conduct 

On Monday, July 14, 2025, Pueblo City Council member Roger Gomez used the public forum of a City Council meeting to assert his views that transgender individuals should not be at the library, and then he entered a library location on July 17 inquiring about LGBTQIA+ collections, programs, and transgender library staff. At the Pueblo City-County Library District (PCCLD), we serve every resident—children, families, seniors and individuals of all backgrounds—without regard to personal characteristics. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide a safe, welcoming environment where everyone can access information, explore ideas, and connect with community resources without restriction or barriers. Our commitment to inclusivity, equity, and privacy guides every decision we make.

Executive Director of PCCLD Sherri Baca states, “Our staff are invaluable for the service they provide to the library district and our community, and they deserve to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity. We will not allow any behavior in our libraries that disrespects our team or disrupts library services or operations. As a hub for all residents, we place safety, respect and inclusivity at the heart of everything we do.” 

The Pueblo City-County Library District operates under a comprehensive legal and policy structure that protects both our patrons and employees:

  • Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 forbids employment discrimination by government entities on the basis of sex, including transgender status.
  • Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) prohibits discrimination in public accommodations—including libraries—on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
  • Also under Colorado Law, the 2025 Kelly Loving Act amends CADA to recognize misgendering and deadnaming as discriminatory acts and strengthens protections for transgender individuals in all public spaces.
  • All employee medical information—such as gender-affirming care—is strictly confidential and managed in accordance with state and federal privacy laws.
  • PCCLD Rules of Conduct outline expected behaviors and consequences for harassment or intimidation.
  • PCCLD Anti-Harassment Policy prohibits any conduct that targets staff or patrons based on personal identity or beliefs.
  • Equal Employment rules ensure hiring, promotion, and evaluation are based solely on qualifications and performance.

Councilman Gomez’s recent targeted questioning of our staff’s identities and challenges to our library materials and collections undermine the inclusive spirit that defines public libraries. As a public entity, we categorically reject any form of harassment, discrimination, or intimidation to library staff and patrons.

 

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