Open letter requests the cancellation of Jordan Peterson's appearance in Calgary – Calgary

The Calgary Arts Commons decision to host controversial professor Jordan Peterson for a conference this week has angered some of his opponents.

Peterson, professor of psychology at the University of Toronto, has made headlines in Canada and elsewhere around the world as some have accused him of promoting racist and homophobic ideas. He opposed Bill C-16, which defends transgender people from discrimination under the Criminal Code.

He has already protested in the past, including at Queen's University in Kingston in March and at the Citadel Theater in Edmonton in January.

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Up to 600 people signed an open letter pleading with Arts Commons to cancel the event. Peterson event scheduled for July 27th.

Some signatories stated that there were no protests "

" In the end, I'm disappointed, "said Stride Gallery director Areum Kim

: "They have to think about who uses the space and works in that space, presenting the work in that space. Even though they are a place and an artistic organization, they also represent the artists who work there.

Arts Commons said in an e-mailed statement that anyone has the right to express their concerns and welcomes the conversation. "Freedom of speech means do not censor someone because we do not agree with what he has to say," said spokesman Johann Zietsman.

"We value diversity and if you look at our list of events, you will see that we have events from every corner of our society represented."

"We support and strive for freedom of life. expression because it helps minority opinions, while allowing a strong defense by those who disagree with these or other points of view. "

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Arts Commons said the event was organized by a third

Those who wrote the open letter said that They were not there because they did not agree with Peterson. but fear that the event and its messaging may pose risks to the safety of those who work and use the event center

Peterson's Global News comment requests have not been returned.

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