Local Congressman Applauds Library of Congress Decision to Recognize Armenian Genocide

The Library of Congress will recognize the Armenian Genocide by amending its catalog entry, which has until now referred to the “Armenian Massacre,” Congress members announced Wednesday.

The decision by Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden follows bipartisan urging from members of Congress, as well as a formal request for the heading change initiated by the UCLA library, U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, said in a written statement.

“It is welcome news that the Library Congress, at our urging, will now use the historically accurate term ‘Armenian Genocide,’” said Schiff, who represents portions of Pasadena.

“This is one further step in overcoming the decades-long campaign of denial that has silenced too many about the murder of 1.5 million Armenians,” said Schiff. “This recognition is particularly meaningful at a time when the genocide of a century ago seems all too immediate, as Azerbaijan and Turkey are committing atrocities right now in Artsakh.”

Schiff was joined in his announcement by Reps. Jackie Speier, D-San Mateo, Frank Pallone, D-New Jersey, Gus Bilrakis, R-Florida, and Dina Titus, D-Nevada.

Speier said the move was necessary and overdue.

“Last year I was proud to co-lead the historic House resolution to formally recognize the Armenian Genocide, along with the co-chairs of the Congressional Armenian Caucus,” Speier said.

“As an institution founded on the principles of scholarship and learning, it is imperative that the library not shy away from the truth. I am encouraged to see the library correct its research headings to adhere to historical accuracy – and to properly acknowledge the murder of 1.5 million Armenians at the hand of the Ottoman Empire,” she said.

The change follows resolutions passed in December by both the House and Senate, but not signed by President Donald Trump.

Forty-nine states have formally recognized the Armenian Gencocide, with only Mississippi not doing so.