For many years, archives have collected, described, and presented materials on historically marginalized communities ​​they were not a part of, resulting in underrepresentation and misrepresentation in archival collections. The language used to describe these communities is often derogatory, that is racist, sexist, colonialist, homophobic, ableist, and outright demeaning to the humanity of people. Additionally, the images that depict these communities and their members, are equally offensive and harmful.

Drake University Archives and Special Collections values diversity, equity, and inclusion and is committed to promoting these values in our archival collections. We collect historical materials from various time periods and strive to describe and present archival content in a historically accurate manner that is respectful to all those who create, use, and are represented in our collections. In doing so, our aim is to elevate the narratives, perspectives, and expertise of historically marginalized communities—Black, Indigenous, persons of color, immigrants, women, disabled people, and those from the LGBTQ+ communities.

We acknowledge that you may encounter outdated and derogatory language in some of our existing archival descriptions and collections as well as offensive and stereotypical images of historically marginalized communities. We understand that derogatory language and offensive imagery may cause emotional and psychological trauma to members of historically marginalized communities. Please note that these occurrences of language, positions, images, and values do not align with our current values and practices at Drake University.

We are aware that language, conventions, and archival best practices are constantly evolving, and that language considered acceptable by archivists in the past needs to be more adequate and appropriate for present-day use. Therefore, we recognize the great need for reparative descriptions to address and replace derogatory and unacceptable language in our archival descriptions. We understand that this work is necessary and can be messy, however, we are willing to take on the task. When discovered, offensive and outdated language is removed from archival descriptions and updated with currently acceptable terminologies. When offensive language and imagery are embedded in the original historical material received from creators, it is best practice to maintain the authenticity of those materials by not censoring them. Doing so would ultimately alter the meaning or intention of the original creator, as well as strip the material of its historical integrity and cultural context.

Some examples of circumstances when offensive or harmful language and images may be retained are as follows:

• Organization names that include outdated terms.
• Individuals identify themselves using term(s) that are no longer accepted within the community.
• The title or language from an unpublished and published book, article, journal, film, or song.
• Language from original historical documents in collection descriptions when it provides additional value and can be illustrated or expressed in no other way.

The continued success and further enrichment of the Drake University Archives and Special Collections depend upon continued transformation and a permanent commitment to equity and inclusion in our daily work. Please email archives@drake.edu to report offensive material and/or description found in our archival collections and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about our ongoing efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our collections.