Library Director Engages in Critical Dialogue on Antiracism and Interfaith Studies

Karla Grafton, Director of Library Services at HIU, recently participated in a thought-provoking session at the Atla Annual 2025 conference. Atla is a membership association of librarians and information professionals, and a producer of research tools, committed to advancing the study of religion and theology.

The discussion, titled The Atla Committee for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Conversation with Jeannine Hill Fletcher’s The Promising Practice of Antiracist Approaches to Interfaith Studies, brought together scholars and librarians to explore the intersections of race, religion, and education.

A member of the Committee for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Karla joined panelists Brady Beard (Emory University), Elli Cucksey (Trinity Theological Seminary), and Stephen Sweeney in a dynamic exchange centered on Hill Fletcher’s influential essay. The presentation examined how racial and religious identities have historically shaped power dynamics, particularly within White Christian frameworks in the U.S. Hill Fletcher’s work argues that theological education must confront these legacies to foster more inclusive interfaith studies.

The session also reflected on Atla’s past diversity initiatives while envisioning future steps to promote equity within religious and academic institutions. 

A key focus was fostering dialogue among participants, who moved around the room to share insights on pressing questions, posting their responses on walls for collective reflection. The interactive format allowed for candid discussions about current challenges and aspirations for advancing diversity in libraries and theological education.

“As a library director, my relationships with other theological librarians and library directors has been critical to my work. Atla has given me the opportunity to mentor and to be mentored throughout my career,” Karla said. 

Karla and fellow panelists emphasized actionable outcomes and equipping attendees with deeper awareness of antiracist approaches in interfaith studies.