9. STAFF REPORT ACTION REQUIRED
COMMUNICATIONS GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE
TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MEETING – October 22, 2019
It is recommended that the Toronto Public Library Board:
1. receives Communication (a) to Vickery Bowles, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library from Brendan Haley, President, Toronto Public Library Workers Union, Local 4948 dated October 16, 2019 requesting that the Toronto Public Library reconsider its decision to allow an upcoming meeting room booking at the Palmerston branch with Meghan Murphy.
2. receives Communication (b) to Vickery Bowles from Adam Chaleff, dated October 16, 2019 requesting that the Toronto Public Library reconsider its decision to allow an upcoming meeting room booking at the Palmerston branch with Meghan Murphy.
3. receives Communication (c) to Sue Graham-Nutter, Chair, Toronto Public Library Board from David Morris, Board Chair, The 519, dated October 16, 2019 expressing concern that the Toronto Public Library has agreed to host an upcoming event on October 29, 2019 involving Meghan Murphy.
4. receives Communication (d) to TPL Board Members from Malgosia Starszyk dated October 17, 2019 expressing support for the Toronto Public Library’s position on freedom of speech and providing access and welcoming spaces to every Canadian, regardless of their views.
Communications 1 5. receives Communication (e) to TPL Board members from Claire Forsyth dated October 17, 2019 requesting the Toronto Public Library cancel an upcoming event at the Palmerston branch with Meghan Murphy.
6. receives Communication (f) to Sue Graham-Nutter and Board members from Dr. Toni Samek, Professor and Chair, School of Library and Information Studies, University of Alberta dated October 17, 2019 expressing support for Toronto Public Library’s decision to allow a third-party to rent a theatre for an event at Toronto Public Library.
7. receives Communication (g) to Vickery Bowles, copying the Toronto Public Library Board from Chris Winsor dated October 17, 2019 expressing support for allowing the upcoming event at the Palmerston branch with Meghan Murphy to proceed.
8. receives Communication (h) to Members of the TPL Board from Caitlin Belle dated October 20, 2019 expressing discomfort with the upcoming room rental to Meghan Murphy.
9. receives Communication (i) to Toronto Public Library Board members from Susan Benton, President and CEO, Urban Libraries Council dated October 21, 2019 expressing support for the Library’s refusal to compromise its values or diminish its role as a leader for race and social equity.
10. receives Communication (j) to the Toronto Public Library Board from Cara Faith Zwibel, Director, Fundamental Freedoms Program, Canadian Civil Liberties Association dated October 21, 2019 expressing support for the Library’s decision to honour the third-party room rental booking to a group hosting Meghan Murphy.
11. receives Communication (k) to the Toronto Public Library Board from Pilar Martinez, Chair, Canadian Urban Libraries Council and CEO, Edmonton Public Library, on behalf of: Alvin M. Schrader, Professor Emeritus School of Library and Information Studies, University of Alberta and members of the Canadian Urban Libraries Council dated October 18, 2019 expressing support for the Library’s decision to allow a third-party to rent a theatre for an event at Toronto Public Library.
12. receives Communication (l) to Vickery Bowles, c/o the Library Board from Ed Gibbard dated October 18, 2019 expressing support for her decision to allow the upcoming event at the Palmerston branch with Meghan Murphy to proceed.
Communications 2 13. receives Communication (m) to Sue Graham-Nutter from James L. Turk, Director, Centre for Free Expression, Ryerson University dated October 18, 2019 expressing support for allowing the upcoming event at the Palmerston branch with Meghan Murphy to proceed.
14. receives Communication (n) to the Toronto Public Library Board from Melissa Hudson, Advocate, Trans Women’s Association dated October 20, 2019 requesting that an upcoming event at the Library with Meghan Murphy be cancelled and ensuring no such event is booked in the future.
15. receives Communication (o) to Members of the Toronto Public Library Board from Greg Gatenby in defence of free speech.
16. receives Communication (p) to the Toronto Public Library Board from Dawn Miklaski dated October 20, 2019 expressing appreciation for supporting freedom of speech in Canadian libraries.
17. receives Communication (q) to the Toronto Public Library Board from a group of librarians and library workers dated October 21, 2019 requesting that an upcoming event at the Library with Meghan Murphy be cancelled.
18. receives Communication (r) to Members of the Toronto Public Library Board from Dr. Anne Wilson, Professor, Fellow, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Successful Societies program, Psychology Department, Wilfrid Laurier University dated October 21, 2019 expressing support for allowing the upcoming event at the Palmerston branch with Meghan Murphy to proceed.
19. receives Communication (s) to the Board of the TPL from Catherine Barley dated October 19, 2019 expressing support for allowing the upcoming event at the Palmerston branch with Meghan Murphy to proceed.
20. receives Communication (t) to Sue Graham-Nutter from Canadian Parents of Trans and Gender Diverse Kids, Admin Team Members dated October 22, 2019 requesting that an upcoming event at the Library with Meghan Murphy be cancelled.
21. receives Communication (u) to the Toronto Public Library Board from Alix- Rae Stefanko, Chair, Canadian Federation of Library Associations dated October 22, 2019 expressing support for the Toronto Public Library’s decision to uphold Intellectual Freedom.
Communications 3 a.
Adam yourselves Sincerely, follow For everyone, booking Censorship discuss frequently speaks known minimum women have This is or or canceling that As members interpretation What leader speech. Board After The To: Sent: Subject: Cc: Dear From: Nancy happening convicted hatred a the even Toronto allows an former Vicken’. reading follows Chalell your on I at for reasons the in educational I must policy Marshall would TPL. have promoting Councillors this and a this Canada.” face these “supporters” existence is room hateful vice-chair Community of when Public convey a of your issue. is must showing copied discrimination. recognizes above. real hate need views a the booking. lightly Meghan October people be concern This and speech Library’s Community “contempt’ and my to Nancy Perks safe I and of contempt and stand be open and description edited deep legal TPLs that to The the there for under Murphy and 15 “champions” that Marshall use Event decision discussion with disappointment express rights all there public Simply City Vckery Wednesday, Adam version Meghan Nancy board, Ainslie. based is librarians and thinly-veiled for members the every trans Space are Librarian is trans is of Event Criminal Chaleff statement. Marshall; to as put. given on purpose Bowles merely the trans of Murphay limits people and on reason host I of one people Rental a are statement hope TPL October Space of the public LGBTQ2S+
TPL’s a 13. when is exactly as charged cause poor community rights. are well- debate. Library board contempt is is lhr she room will “To for clear on what with At David Morris Board Chair c.
519 Church Street Tel: 416 355-6771 Toronto, Ontario M4Y 2C9 Fax: 416 392-6874 [email protected]
October 16, 2019
Sue Graham-Nutter, Board Chair Toronto Public Library C/O Library Board Officer Nancy Marshall [email protected]
Dear Sue:
On behalf of the Board of The 519, I wanted to reach out to you to express our concern that the Toronto Public Library has agreed to host and upcoming event on October 29, 2019 involving Meaghan Murphy.
This individual seeks to promote essentialist understandings of sex as purely biological, that not only denies the experiences and existence of trans women but ignores the disproportionate rates of violence they experience precisely because of their identity as women. We fundamentally believe that this event contravenes Bill 33 Toby’s Law under the Ontario Human Rights Code, as well as the spirit and intent of the City of Toronto’s Anti- harassment and discrimination policies.
We respectfully request that you review the information related to this event in a much broader context, including reviewing a similar event at the Vancouver Public Library and the background of the speaker. We appreciate that being in service to the public, including the provision of accessible space comes with great responsibility and complexity. As public institutions and leaders on equity and human rights issues, creating a space for discussion that will further harm and advance hatred against an already marginalized community is unacceptable.
Below is a copy of our statement that our Executive Director, Maura Lawless shared with Vickery Bowles yesterday before we shared it publically today:
Essentialist understandings of sex, including the assertion that trans women are not women, does absolutely nothing to combat violence against women.
Intersectional feminism requires us to respond to misogyny in ways that demonstrate an analysis of our different experiences as women, including an appreciation that we are all impacted differently. Misogyny and patriarchy will continue to find new ways to divide us – a reality that we must reject through efforts that show genuine solidarity and movement building that is expansive rather than exclusionary.
1
The 519 calls on the Toronto Public Library to recognize the harm that is caused by allowing an event to take place that promotes discrimination and hate through an ideology that erases and further marginalizes trans women, and remedy this harm by cancelling this event immediately.
As a sister City Agency, we truly value our relationship with the Toronto Public Library and the work you are doing with our Education and Training Department is doing with library staff to make spaces more inclusive for LGBTQ2S+ communities. We ask that the Toronto Public Library bravely stands against this event and any event that promotes discrimination, hate and violence toward marginalized women and cancels this event immediately.
Sincerely,
David Morris
CC: Mayor, John Tory Councillor, Paul Ainslie Councillor, Gord Perks Councillor, Kristyn Wong-Tam, ex-officio Board Member of The 519 City Librarian, Vickery Bowles
Nancy Marshall d. From: Malgosia Starszyk Sent: Thursday,October 17, 2019 9:09 AM To: Nancy Marshall Subject: Room Rentals & speaker M.Murphy
Dear TPL Board Members,
Itruly admire perseverance of the Toronto Public Libraryto keep the library’s premises open to all, regardless of their views. As the Board Members of the largest library system in Canada your position on the freedom of speech and freedom of expression is vital. Iwish you all the strength to face the negativity and persistent attacks of those, who would likethe library to back off from its principle of equality and freedoms.
I am an immigrant and Icame to Canada from the communist country as a refugee 38 years ago. Icame to
Canada because I believed then in what you are trying to save at this moment. It is such a shame that nowadays so many Canadians don’t even understand that by attacking freedom of expression and freedom of access to public spaces of others, they attack future freedoms of themselves.
Keep up the fight and provide access and welcoming spaces to every Canadian, regardless of their views. All the best.
Malgorzata Starszyk Mississauga, Ontario ad’ -
I
Claire
Media
this
Sincerely,
against
to
denies
TPL
I someone
trans
they
to
archivist. To
likely
In
Subject:
I Cc:
To:
Sent:
From:
Nancy
urge
was
provide
giving
TPL.
the
event,
claims
are
people,
made
deeply
you
Forsyth,
Archivist
your
City
this
Marshall
This
not
a
The
who
to
this
you
platform
to
dangerous
Librarian,
it
right
safe
is
listen
saddened
you
possible
event
be
promotes space
will
MLIS
a
to building
upholding
at
are
lose
to
exist. to
the
you
the
is
telling
Board
Meghan
for
decision
the
not
Toronto
to
are
hateful
Library
where
Trans
me
see
just
trust
free
the
hosting
Members,
Thursday,
Meghan [email protected]
City
Claire
Elizabeth
to
a
Murphy,
about
people’s
and
rhetoric
find
LGBTQ2S
speech,
Public
of I
picture
Workers
Librarian
spent
Forsyth
the
tells
please Murphy
queerness
Sutter; October
“equity”
LGBTQ2S
Library.
and
so
someone
of against
—
but
trans
humanity
Union
my
much
Nancy
community
Event
Branch
cancel
there 17,
-
childhood
people
TPL
and
2019
a
and
Marshall; time,
1
community
who
marginalized
is
the
is
Manager,
eventually
is
12:04
the
no
not
and
was
knowingly
continually
event.
that
room
library
3000+ [email protected];
a
PM
the
question
so
their
who
for
inspired
broader
pursue
branch
people community.
humanity
“civil
entering
attacks
you
for
discourse”
claim work
and
LGBTQ2S
in
who
debate.
an
the
into
is
held
have
as
to
up
article
existence
a
support.
a
for
If
safe
contract
librarian
with
you
now
community
debate. about
-
do
someone
spoken
things
and
a
with
not
the
and
Choosing
rights
cancel
that
boycotts
that
out
who of -P Vickery Bowles
From: Toni Samek
HelloVickery,
When time permits, please forward this supportive missive on my behalf to the parties below withsincere thanks! toni
Dear Ms Graham-Nutter, Board Chair, and Board Members,
Mysustained academic work in informationethics prompts me to vigorouslysupport the Toronto Public Library’s(TPL) principledstatement, professional stand, and courageous leadership in the face of adversity with respect to its decision to allowa third-party to rent a theatre for an event at TPL in accordance withTPL Board policy.
In Canada, the CFLA-FCABStatement on Intellectual Freedom and Libraries affirms the “rightto safe and welcoming places and conditions. To this end, libraries make available their publicspaces and services to individualsand groups without discrimination.”This is reinforced in the CFLA’s“Positionon Third Party Use of PubliclyFunded LibraryMeetings Rooms and Facilities:An Interpretation of the Canadian Federation of LibraryAssociations’ Statement on Intellectual Freedom and Libraries”(approved March 2019).
Meanwhile in its Code of Ethics for Librarians and Other Information Workers, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)sets the international standard at recognizing “the human necessity of sharing informationand ideas implies the recognition of informationrights. The idea of human rights, particularlyas expressed in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), requires us all to recognise and acknowledge the humanity of others and to respect their rights. In particular, Article19 sets out rights of freedom of opinion, expression and access to informationfor all human beings.”
Withoutthe active protection of intellectual freedom, such as yours, our other librarycore values could and would not be realized. We need the one to have the othersl
Sincerely, Dr.Toni Samek Professor and Chair
-- Dr.Toni Samek is a Professor and Chair at the School of Libraryand InformationStudies, Universityof Alberta. Toni’s books include: Intellectual Freedom and Social Responsibility in American Librarianship 1967 to 1974; Librarianship and Human Rights: A twenty-firstcentury guide; She Was a Booklegger: Remembering Celeste West; and, InformationEthics, Globalizationand Citizenship: Essays on Ideas to Praxis. Her scholarship has appeared in translation in such countries as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil,Japan, Spain, Sweden and Turkey. Toni twice convened the Canadian Library Association’s AdvisoryCommittee on Intellectual Freedom and served twoconsecutive terms on the Canadian Association of UniversityTeachers’ Academic Freedom and Tenure Committee. She currently serves on the Canadian Federation of LibraryAssociations’ Intellectual Freedom Committee, the Advisory Board of Canada’s Centre for Free Expression, and the Advisory Board of the International Centre for InformationEthics. Toni received the debut Library Journal Teaching Award in 2007, a Faculty of Education Graduate Teaching Award in 2009, and the 3M National Teaching Fellowship from the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education in 2012. In 2013, Toni was honoured with the Univefsityof Wisconsin-Madison School of Libraryand InformationStudies Distinguished Alumna Award. She is the recipient of the 2017 LibraryAssociation of Alberta President’s Award, which recognizes the efforts of an individualwho has made a major impact on a province-wide basis in the libraryfield in Alberta. And in 2018, Toni was awarded Honourary Membership into the Golden Key International Honour Society Universityof Alberta Chapter in recognition of her academic and career achievements, as well as abilityto buildstrong connections between the School of Libraryand InformationStudies, the Universityof Alberta and students.
1 2
Studies
2G5
T66
North
Information
CANADA
Centre
and
Chair
Phb
Alberta
Alberta,
Education
of
and
Library
of
Education
of
780-492-3932
samek,
a
Faculty Professor School
7-167J University Toni Edmonton,
Phone: [email protected] Nancy Marshall
From: chris.winsorchris.winsor
I am writing to heartily endorse the Toronto Public Library’sposition with regard to the appearance by author/blogger Meghan Murphy.
For the record, I am a supporter of the aspirations and rights of transgender persons. However, I am an equally passionate supporter of free speech.
I am proud that my library system, in part supported by my taxes, stands as a beacon of sanity, integrity and moral rectitude with this stance.
It is a dangerous world when discussion and ideas are policed in advance of their airing, and a climate of fear and reprisal dominates much needed social discourse.
SIncerely,
Chris Winsor
446 O’ConnorDrive, Toronto Ontario M4J2W6
416-970-8739
1 Caitlin conviction hate bring Murphy person’s With trans to advocacy!). women!. related discussions purposely presented I environment speaker’s To: I Please Dear Subject: Sent: From: Nancy acknowledge am women, speech”, writing population cultural these Secretary. Belle withold to has Marshall free documented hnps:iinvw.feministcurrent.com/20 safe as, naive really or to frequently, a Although to speech for “..an I progression at the history spaces think the my express least, and to by marginalized where TPL educational argument believe name the is Members it of and present history, published event. limited is implication and my TPL confrontational important and comes breastfeeding, this discomfort there of draws conlact When a when of library I and to limition free Sunday, Caitlin Meghan Nancy believe changing a the is be year open that to the a a speech, their the TPL common information users. library think Marshall Belle with line? they apart, October20, the to Murphy and true discussion (https:!!www.feministcurrent.com/20l words Board, woman standards rental about the and hurtful are intention finds the 1 theme 9/08/21 upcoming Concerns represent a note argument from the allowance separate their as 2019 on rhetoric for a of that standards of the whole /whv-are-women-are-being-erased-from-hreastièedinu 1 public defense trans 9:03 what the the a room concept group, stays degradation towards PM event. to speaker’s exclusion. if is records, this expected they consisting discussed rental consistent: and of Her individual trans are gender a to if intention curated danger. to As included. a of Meghan freely individuals, record of, a examples, speakers. marginalized that identity “they will website 8/08/22/im-cominu-support- in for trans is Murphy. I create public made find haven’t the ...“, Is women discussions and room presents discrimination this however, an for environments. group. I Based been believe unwelcome disparaging the has present these general charged I been on of believe I she
think K the gender a gender threat will to public. A for it Ms. the is i33 SuS\n Sincerely, President ethical, social vital That democratic stand demonstrating and LGBTQIA+ Above Since In equal difficult stand freedom presentation, discriminatory the would the as limiting Numerous on that The Toronto, Toronto and and 789 October Dear H Street., communities a “Gender speaker’s serious content empowering that safe social Yonge Urban fundamental message Ms. this equity. to treatment. so all, not progressive conversations the NW, lose that Public 21, of and the Ontario
and ci Graham-Nutter, event the themes. equity, only parties Street Libraries society. concerns speech. Suite rights Identity: — 2019 TPL when As welcoming unpopular even CEO, previous is decision actions. a and, Library violate across COUNCIL URBAN directly LIBRARIES will one vital 1000 board vulnerable M4W democracy, of dedication have Along libraries if Urban library As not Council many of trans-identified about it What message West, that North champions the about Board presentations is the supports 2G8 asked violate in or community likely with Libraries of Board line practices Washington, library’s world’s controversial libraries Does this fail maintains populations, those America, to whether the vulnerable, empathy with that to to the events equity It Chair the include library preserve of Mean systems Council largest Community library’s everyone TPL’s can and women, hub. democracy, library’s to DC or a residents and that potential and ensure determine core demonstrating 20005 opinions to for not core conversations TPL including underrepresented public Board freedom cave ULC refuse policies inclusion. Society, to commitment is refusal including performed values . marginalized welcome and deny supports 2027508650 regularly in library equity for Members: can space that to members Event — of promoting to the of space that be ULC TPL their speech. compromise an the equity, that and systems, for Law at heard. extensive Toronto pressure Space pressure. and to unwavering must for the “Gender the this ability are communities individuals and of the lJltanhibraries.nrg’INSPIrnNG our this diversity, library By hate the It free uncomfortable, remain Rental event TPL essential Women?” Public is refusing libraries member event to research LGBTQIA+ only More its Identity” exchange speech has use and due commitment values policies, firm such Library’s intellectual by a is women’s are than role varying special to to to a libraries providing or on in decision as the cancel able session exclude or community. of fostering its of the half those but or diminish ideas, decision presenter’s libraries decision responsibility opinions to in event’s restrooms. of also to stand the freedom, state opposition, will a about in or libraries’ upholding forum libraries the discriminatory “Gender undermine remove LIBRARIEs. not its to as firmly to their It intended and whether LGBTQIA+ role rent is community publicly provide promote for inclusion The because banned voices to must beliefs as LGBTQIA+ to as Identity” space all democracy. ensure library TRANSFORMING leaders many a its voices discussion or space expressed leader sometimes are community, trusted hate and behavior, books of and for not leaders has city it valid — panel, and the for for be programming to speech integrity. is for not listened feature residents. modeling protect assured reputation protecting discussion the points engaging in race belief for despite which TPL take CoMMuNITIEs.
a 1 we or race and is It and a to in all is — in The Ad). cannot law, gender defend Board. community or binary content contrary, That and decision democratic we by Murphy anyone the views the its As controversial Toronto freedoms. partisan. Supreme Since October To I Toronto. M4W 789 Toronto
The CIVIL
am ASSOCIATION duty an gender a the territory don’t truth, suggestion with Yonge Secretary which public CCLA said, writing organization are
2G8 CANADIAN or dictate people 1964, identity Toronto her of to else. is to 21.
Public LIBERTI Public the ON Court members particularly libraries acceptable non-profit/charity, like, Ms. do as not identity honour right defines society. Street to institution 2019 was of TPL’s on CCLA Adopting speaker so a and whether being Murphy’s live by and or champion illegal of Public Library behalf equitably Libran”s to a some Canada disagree are will that the strong of expression free express Community hate
is ES and hosted has and Meghan the by a that hate third-party Library she of has unconstitutional a continue Board that from platform talk. public been which different community. speech defenders the supporter and of ••• more •‘. ••• makes is rented decision speech. with, by them. what allowed both Canadian discriminatory which Murphy. in Board to We the Canada’s are than libraries and to a the in room rental for what library Ms. free libran agree approach manner In a not. do of and to strict prohibited Event any also of its to speaker particular. that Murphy honour speech so. Civil rental they space Directors. speak If and members that
pursuit.
ASSOCIATION
CANADIENNE LIBERTESCIVILES space, oilier leading have at the teaches that terms But Space Bill. a would government have laws. Liberties wrong. should is available content library-sponsored in the and domestic long is says grounds our for in We although voice a in It respectful Rental of to keeping third-party public a equality, over We should countenance views been light amounts have fee, be CCLA say. the to Association to on do of allowed human he as policy. discrimination transgender 10.000 venue. the champions ofCanada’s fought Ms. Freedom civil about discrimination not not with communicated any of we strongly general
to DES free room Murphy be share rights member liberties. event. this have hate It the to Nor the fiercely students put (CCLA) is speech use of long-standing de-platforming rental wisdom speech also public, the can of to NGO. community, in She supports constitutional opposed expression the on take of that Delivered the views the for in relevant, and We at is the the every to space booking the is your position the an speaking very views We’re principle. of express equality. have basis public a (‘uuadkm event of Bill the righis misinterpretation Ms. in library year seriously role is about Ms. in via of an of appeared of the C-l6 rights to of’ vital may Murphy’s protection our does our the at sexual of independent, email of speakers In about Murphy, a Not same assessing has an the pLlblic trans view, support Tel: library’s Human do. group (which our in not of views event an long (4t6) anticipated orientation a rights before fashion (read view, the and arbiter free that position libraries because of 363-D321 but hosting upheld hosted Thr Rig/its of added which to staff, trans non- non Free Ms. into and and the the the we the the as of expression. In its nosE recent articulation on the subject. the Supreme Court explicitly stated that hate speech laws do not “prohibit expression vhich debates the merits of reducing the rights of vulnerable groups in society.” IJ’hateonv. Saskalchewa;;,2013 SCC I I. para. 51) In our view, the position that Ms. Murphy is engaged in illegal hate speech simply has no merit.
While robust protection for freedom of expression can allow for the expression of discriminatory and unsavoury views, it is important to appreciate that it has also been vital to advancing the rights of marginalized groups. At a different historical moment, a policy that allowed the library to turn away unpopular or controversial speakers would have almost certainly been used to prevent members of the trans community from renting library space for events. Freedom of expression is entrenched in the Canadian Charter qf Rig/its and Freedoms precisely for the purpose of protecting unpopular views, whether (hey be for or against minorities.
Once again, we support the TPL’s decision and its courage to stand up for freedom of expression in the face of pressure to cancel the booking.
Sincerely.
Cara Faith Zwibel. LL.B., LL.M. Director, Fundamental Freedoms Program (416) 646-1409 czwili)ccla.org
I I Alvin And CEO, Chair. Pilar organizations While Sincerely, freedom imperative canadienne all Freedom expression community. Every must or are activities explicitly Toronto The Toronto, Intellectual of Library 789 Toronto Dear &a Conseil Canadian applicable Community the in the Yonge Martinez Canadian M. Edmonton continue Canadian Ms individual, violation it Ontario Schrader. following (TPL) is of Public Public Ontario of and that:’Permission Graham-Nutter, des recognized Street that and freedom des expression any Urban laws that Libraries Bibliothéques in Urban to Urban Space public of Library’s the associations Library Human Public group no accordance Professor members protect and M4W 4.4(a)(i) rent right matter and Libraries Library Rentals Libraries libraries Library, library that or which approved meeting Board Rights 2G8 decision to freedom individual:’ these Board of of to Emeritus some what access de Urbaines with CULC/CBUC: policies.These Council the are to use on Code:’ Council continue bibliothéques, Council rooms rights confirm Chair; their behalf ideas by TPL policy, fundamental to these of library ,School the allow Additionally, speech / Board for du background, / expressed and may, of: Conseil facilities the Canadian Conseil to that Canada all, services a uphold Board on Criminal of third-party are concepts policy.This even they and to Library occasion, des des essential does a the through Federation in Members. when will the and opinions, democratic Bibliothéques Bibliotlièques TPL’s Code policy not are and rights not spaces, to Community views be to articulated values imply Information library rent be of states:’The offensive a and/or and of conducting democratic Canada providing are society. a any Library as values theatre collections, Urbaines Urbaines contrary endorsed beliefs, endorsement and in to Studies. (including Associations the of some Library their Event for any society, intellectual du has du Statement or an programs, by business Canada University conduct or Canada the offensive Space event requires the hate even and of i-ight TPL the / (CULC/CBUC) Rental propaganda atToronto freedom public La on many, or complies members events October of to to aims, potential Board. Fédération activities Intellectual Alberta freedom many policy libraries it policies and is and with support Public in laws) users 8, that states the of 2019 or Canadian Urban Libraries Council V Conseil des BibliothEques Urhaines du Canada
Alberta MarkAsberg, Chief ExecutiveOfficer Calgary PublicLibrary ShelleyRoss,Chief ExecutiveOfficer,Red Deer PublicLibrary MelissaFlett,Director,Wood BuffaloRegionalLibrary British Columbia Beth Davies,Chief Librarian,Burnaby PublicLibrary Todd Gnissos, ExecutiveDirector, Coquitlam Public Library Scott Hargrove,Chief ExecutiveOfficer,FraserValley RegionalLibrary Maureen Sawa,Chief ExecutiveOfficer,GreaterVictoria PublicLibrary Don Nettleton, Chief ExecutiveOfficer,Okanagan RegionalLibrary SusanWalters, Chief Librarian,Richmond PublicLibrary Surinder Bhogal,Chief Librarian.Surrey Libraries Rosemary Bonanno,ExecutiveDirector,Vancouver Island RegionalLibrary Christina de Castell, Chief Librarian,VancouverPublic Library Manitoba EdCuddy,Manager of Library Services,Winnipeg Public Library New Brunswick SylvieNadeau, ExecutiveDirector, New BrunswickPublic Library Service Nova Scotia Asa Kachan,Chief Librarian& Chief ExecutiveOfficer,HalifaxPublicLibraries Ontario LaurenJessop, Chief ExecutiveOfficer,Barrio Public Library Rebecca Raven,Chief ExecutiveOfficer,Brampton Library Lita Barrie.Chief ExecutiveOfficer,Burlington PublicLibrary Steve Kraft,Chief ExecutiveOfficer,Guelph PublicLibrary PaulTakala,Chief Librarian,Hamilton Public Library Helen Kelly,Chief ExecutiveOfficer,Idea Exchange— Cambridge LesterWebb, Interim Chief Librarian& Chief ExecutiveOfficer,Kingston Frontenac Public Library Mary Chevreau. Chief ExecutiveOfficer,Kitchener PublicLibrary MichaelCiccone, Chief ExecutiveOfficer,London PublicLibrary Catherine Biss,Chief ExecutiveOfficer,Markham PublicLibraries MarkWilliams,Chief Librarian,Milton Public Library Loi’iKelly.Director, MississaugaLibrary System TaraWong, Chief ExecutiveOfficer,Oakville PublicLibrary Frances Newman, Chief ExecutiveOffice,,Oshawa PublicLibrary Danielle McDonald,Chief ExecutiveOfficer,Otuwa Public Library Louise Procter Maio,Chief ExecutiveOfficer,Richmond HillPublicLibrary Ken Su,Chief ExecutiveOfficer,St.Catharines Public Library John Pateman, Chief ExecutiveOfficer,Thunder BayPublic Library MargieSingleton,Chief ExecutiveOfflcer,VaughanPublicLibraries Laurie Clarke. Chief ExecutiveOfficer,Waterloo PublicLibrary Kitty Pope, Chief ExecutiveOfficer,Windsor PublicLibrary Quebec Jean-Francois Roulier,Chef de divisionPlanificationa expertise, Bibliothéques de Laval IvanFilion.Directeu,; Bibliothéque de Montréal Martin Dubois. Directeur genérale de Ia Grande Bibliotheque,Bibliotheque etArchives nationales du Québec Carol Lagud,Chef de division,Bibliothéque municipale de Gatineau Saskatchewan Jeff Barber, Chief ExecutiveOfficer,Regina PublicLibrary Carol Cooley,DirQctQrof Libraries& Chief ExecutiveOfficer,Saskatoon PublicLibrary
cc Jefferson Gilbert. ExecutiveDirector, Canadian Urban Libraries Council / Conseil des Bibliothéques Urbaines du Canada (CULC/CBUC) Vickery Bowles,City Librarian,Toronto Public Library [email protected] Edward thought. will Ed King twitter, counterbalance I difficult will principle. clearly and convictions I’d To To: do Subject: Sent: From: Nancy would Gibbard like Veckery be Nancy end invited Regards, at to the the Gibbard attend Marshall topics up home thanks Marshall right fringe being Bowles her by can’t allowing in safe to the decision. Vickery quiet a extremes speak debacle and be crowd in the considered support the the at Bowles Whatever that knowledge city Meghan will given Toronto Thank Nancy Monday, Edward I’m hall if be and the the hate grossly sure You rather your Marshall Murphy the Public Gibbard venue fervour October the speech will Toronto views at than overrepresented Library be allowed
CENTREFOR FREEEXPRESSION
Byemail: [email protected]
October 18, 2019
Ms. Sue Graham-Nutter Chair Toronto Public Library Board 789 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M4W 2G8
Dear Ms. Graham-Nutter,
I am writing in relation to the controversy arising from the Toronto Public Libraryrenting space at a branch for a talk by Meghan Murphy. Likemany of those calling on the TPLto cancel the room booking, Ifind Ms. Murphy’s views offensive. But in a democracy, offensive views are neither illegal nor a basis for censorship by pubic bodies.
Our public libraries play an especially important role as public places, open to all, and committed, as articulated in the TPLmission statement, to provide free and equitable access to services which meet the changing needs of Torontonians and to preserve and promote universal access to a broad range of human knowledge, experience, information and ideas in a welcoming and supportive environment. “Welcoming and supportive” does not mean the absence of possible exposure to challenging or offensive ideas whether written, visual, or spoken. In fact, it means the opposite -- an environment where diversity of views is welcomed, and people are not excluded because they hold minority viewpoints or perspectives disdained by the majority.
For democracy to survive, it must be an unending public discourse over what is legitimate and what is illegitimate, without the state and public bodies being able to 5hut down that discourse in the name of the majority at any one point in time.
As Iwrote for our Centre for Free Expression blog yesterday, critics of Murphy make several arguments, but they all rest on the claim that free expression rights conflict with equality, and, in such situations, equality should prevail. Murphy’s critics are right that we live in a transphobic society in which transgendered people are marginalized. But censoring offensive expression, attractive as it may seem, is not a road to equality or an end to marginalization, nor does censorship ever lead to equality.
Public libraries have long been democratic society’s bulwark against censorship — even when it may be deeply unpopular to do so. In championing intellectual freedom, public libraries make real their commitment that all persons in Canada have a fundamental right, subject only to the Constitution and the law, to have access to the full range of knowledge, imagination, ideas, and opinion, and to express their thoughts publicly. An important part of this is making their facilities available to all - 2 members of the public provided only that the events are conducted in a manner consistent with the library’s code of conduct and that no illegal behaviour takes place. 29th, If Meghan Murphy engages in illegal hate speech on October she can be charged. But it is not the role of a public library to abandon its principled commitment to intellectual freedom in favour of prior restraint — arguably the most serious restriction on the right to freedom of expression -- by cancelling her talk in anticipation of illegalexpression.
Canadian jurisprudence on expressive freedom registers strong concerns about prior restraint which, by its very nature, prohibits expressive activity pre-emptively, without knowing whether there are justifiable grounds for its limitation.
At a time likethis, it is worthwhile to remember the words of then ChiefJustice of the Supreme Court of Canada Beverley McLachlinin a case called Rv. Sharpe. She wrote:
“Amongthe most fundamental rights possessed by Canadians is freedom of expression. It makes possible our liberty, our creativity and our democracy. It does this by protecting not only ‘good’ and popular expression, but also unpopular or even offen5ive expression. The right to freedom of expression rests on the conviction that the best route to truth, individual flourishing and peaceful coexistence in a heterogeneous society in which people hold divergent and conflicting beliefs lies in the free flow of ideas and images. Ifwe do not like an idea or an image, we are free to argue against it or simply turn away. But, absent some constitutionally adequate justification, we cannot forbid a person from expressing it... Because of the importance of the guarantee of free expression...any attempt to restrict the right must be subjected to the most careful scrutiny.”
This is precisely the kind of time when principled commitments are most important. The TPLand other public libraries in Canada have played a vital role in protecting and promoting our intellectual 29th• freedom. I hope you continue that tradition on the
Yours sincerely,
James L.Turk Director Centre for Free Expression Ryerson University www . cfe.ryerson.ca ______
U o p Trans 1’4VA:Ofl Trans Women’s Association Advocacy, Charity & Hope
Trans Women’s Association (TWA) do PC Box 9990 HK 398 165 RPO Dupont Toronto, ON M5R 0A7
October 2051,2019 Without Prejudice
Toronto Public Library Board do Nancy Marshall, Library Board Officer (via email; nmarshall.tpl.ca) Sue Graham-Nutter (Chair) Paul Ainsile (CoT Council) Jonathan Hoss Fenton Jagdeo Jennifer Liu Gord Perks (CoT Council) AIim Remtulla
Toronto Public Library Foundation Board Sarah Fulford do Jennifer Jones, President (via email; [email protected])
Canadian Union of Public Employees Michael Hancock, President (via email: adesiardins(cupe.ca
RE: Meghan Murphy / Palmerston Branch TPL Oct. 29. 2019 Ontario Human Rights Code TPL Vision, Mission & Values CoT Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
It has come to my attention that Toronto Public Library is allowing Meghan Murphy to use TPL space to speak at a hosted event. Meghan Murphy has a reputation as a Trans Exclusive Radical and has engaged in speech which if used in Ontario may violate Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC), TPL policy, City of Toronto policy, CUPE policy and/or hate speech laws. We have yet to test Canadian Human Rights protections in this area and are fully prepared to do so, given her national program.
Specifically, it has come to my attention that TPL may have been given advice which may have been based upon an imprecise question to legal counsel. In Ontario the Ontario Human Rights Code is quite clear regarding accommodation, which is different than criminal hate speech. Equity policies adopted by all three organizations also provide clear guidance to the board in the form of a much lower bar than criminality. So while your legal council may be correct that is likely no criminality willoccur at the event, a violation of OHRC and/or specific involved organization policy is likely to occur, not limited to what the speaker, organizer or participants promote and/or derived TPL financial benefit from hosting such event.
Further, TPL Board has been notified by other organizations that the reason(s) stated for hosting Meghan Murphy are disingenuous. The union representing library staff has asked for this event to be cancelled and disregarding such a request may be seen a reckless, if not obviously callous. It would be beyond disappointing to discover that any member of CUPE had any part in supporting this event. Given the number and credibility of such notifications from authoritative sources makes ignorance as a defense laughable.
Page 1 of 2 Trans Women’s Association Advocacy, Charity & Hope
Continued
Megan Murphy’s unpleasant derisions target one specific group of the LGBT community, and itwould require Olympic level legal gymnastics to persuade anyone she did not choose her words without prior thought and full intent. Knowing all of this and still hosting this event is harmful to members of the LGBT community.
This letter serves as formal notice that a violation of at least one of the above stated laws and/or policies is likely and further, a reasonable person would not facilitate, promote or profit from any such event. Each member must weigh their options in the light of joint and several actions to compel upon members of the board, for which directors and officers liability insurance likely would not provide coverage. Each member should consider both their position on this matter and their reputation carefully, as next steps may become public record.
Reasonableness is found in two possible actions; A) Cancelling the event outright B) Ensuring no such event is booked in the future
Ifthe event is permitted to proceed, resolutions after the fact may include sizable financial settlements to offset harm done, to cover the cost of educating every member of TPL staff, each of the boards involved and to fund awareness programs.
I look to the Board of Toronto Public Library to provide direction to the management and staff in this regard. And, to remind all that the library is a charitable organization and a public dispute is not in the interest of board members nor the customers of the library system.
As time is short, I also look to the board to provide minutes fully supporting the solution presented and thus avoid actions to compel compliance with the above stated code and policy. Failure to act in a reasonable manner may result in vigorous pursuit of this matter by every legal means.
In the year 2019 this letter should be unnecessary, and one would expect better from an otherwise rock-solid community organization that does an otherwise adequate job in promoting equality.
Melissa Hudson Advocate Trans Women’s Association
CC. His Worship John Tory Mayor, City of Toronto (via email: mayor toryUaoronto.ca) Susan E. Opler, Ombudsman City of Toronto (via email: susan.opIer(.toronto.ca)
MH/pc
Page 2 of 2 Yours Greg self-censor we to the unpopular indeed. free made International of For arguments--and Board Library censorious, stand. City without position, era the free read. I Subject: To: Sent: Dear From: Nancy write speak Ms be your Order soviets, guise speech? of speech. Gatenby Members Marshall cordially, Bowles’ many sure to Far Toronto—indeed, in Board Moreover, others Only information, their be and defence of of truths too and we silly scouting public, ferociously being Canada, Sadly, Festival has by sees remarks. minds—and often do making of are people, vigorously probably or made the not of she defenders the clear, never to it these the trips and of Toronto I Communication Ana-Maria Nancy Monday, become seems communicate has wisdom am reasonable dictating eminent Authors. Who posing brave for and seen am Marshall; the groups to such been an October21, defending all Critchley that several of better the woman unequivocal internationally-published Public one stand to of of as the countries to Vickery vocal sense to founding the more are question Canada--Ms You her white of counterarguments. 2019 others oppressed, than Board viewpoints Library Bowles; nations those taken 1 allowed stance. herself. in the may 1:39 in and explaining knights, the doing are PM Pam right in what Artistic dogma. also lamentable by more Board. where Ryan its Chief intellectually to Vickery Furthermore, Bowles Regardless, are of with so. wish defence is utter who groups citizens suitable Director Librarian behaving her writers There which to will their has Bowles Fortunately lands reasons author, know of in disparage to taken will woeful to I we free are of nonsense Toronto, to I hope speak where like be the that exhort in be disagree stand not a for speech a defence heard Stalinist Member many the places principled I allowed for her writers have her C under the up the or and can for of of Nancy Marshall
From: Dawn Mikiaski Sent Sunday, October20, 2019 11:52 PM To: Nancy Marshall Subject Thank-you for Supporting Freedom of Speech
Nancy,
Thank-you for supporting freedom of speech in Canadian libraries. This is what makes Canada special. An opportunity for many ideas to be expressed and ideas discussed. Well done Ms. Bowles on defending freedom of speech even when she does not necessarily agree with that point-of-view.
Sincerely,
Dawn Miklaski
Sent from my iPhone
1
to
freedom
already
libraries
TPL’s
opposition
upholding
TPL
are
Toronto
of
Therefore,
choosing
library
identity
deny
bookings
promoting
Section women
identity
Murphy
Toronto
allowed
Meghan
Society, Toronto
this
beyond.
transphobic
We
are
intellectual
To:
Re:
provide
intellectual
vulnerable,
extremely
Toronto
complicit
are
letter
Toronto
or
statements
bars
have
101
and
must
are
4.4a
Public cancel
has
librarians
is
Murphy
Public
the Public
Murphy,
not
by
intellectual
a
in
to
discrimination,
central we
gender
freedom
hate
platform
not
expression
solidarity
repeatedly
hate
speakers
Law,
the
Public
one
Public
to
of
freedom
begin
in
believe
concerned
Library
the
under-represented,
Library’s
Library
women
TPL’s
exercise
the
to
groups
loudest
another.
groups,
about
a
to
and
and
bookings
book
expression.”
well-known
to
Library
Library
spread
for and
libraries’
freedom
with
that
reevaluate Community
to Women?”
to
has
library
Workers
and
called
as
the
hate.
from
voices,
their
room
these
the
be
use
contempt
and
by
A
policy
Toronto
a
protected
Board
Transphobic
of
event
should
co-opted
commitment
responsibility
of
the
problem
workers
their
renting
Intellectual
mission
space
trans-antagonistic
and
trans
intended
rental
provisions.
groups
transphobic
These
Union
the
emerging
is
this
and
is
heavily
and
space
equity
the
and
Public
not
or
women
biggest
not for
for
grounds
space,”
value
by of
who
and
Administration
hatred
members,
Event
that
latest
be
provisions
to
historically
an
the
the
Room
those
to
freedom
and
to
imply
Library
prevent
treated
to
existence,
have
event, pattern
are
spread
through
event
speaker.
men
intellectual
platforms,
problem.
example
reject
Samantha
Space
for
diversity.
under
who
Booking
“likely
that
come
hatred.
any
and
and
users,
during
as “Gender
were
has
these
of
excluded.
transphobic
hate
spread
a
an
the
Rental
in
women”
group
public
we
Earlier
opposed
to
transgender
compromise
of
often
together
The
and
our
anti-oppressive
freedom
Although
developed
Canadian
Beauie,
and
promote,
types
members
which
this
do
communities
Identity:
access
hate
core
or
policy
libraries
not
meant
this
undermine
pattern.
Their
(Vancouver
person
of
Bill
“five
to
rhetoric
believe
and
does
issue
Dec.
year,
we
bookings
or
discuss
makes
Human
0-16,
of
people
to in
freedom must
decision
What
speakers
and
would
believe
inflict
the
The
response
the
on
11
not
Vancouver
is
lens
these
and
trans
and
which
be
one
universities
the
literary
2017).
clear
seats
Does
require
event
in
Pride
issues
Rights
harm
in
have
struck
for
not
in
not
that
Toronto
basis
our
of
future
rights.
values
asserted
order
that
added
to
of
those
October21,
It
institutional
to
features
TPL Society).
allow
community,
on
the
libraries.
intellectual
around
Act.
Mean
public
prior
power, Public
do
between
of...gender
TPL
those
(“Toronto
to
effect
We
allowing
is
and
are
who
so
the
gender
find
room
clearly
that
for
libraries can
write
makes
Library
in
and
value
who
We
of
will.
trans 2019 1 ways for the values of intellectual freedom, equity, diversity, and community connection to be realized in mutually-reinforcingways.
We believe that in the current situation, TPL must demonstrate its professed commitment to LGBTQ2SIA+community through action. As such, we call on Toronto Public Libraryto cancel this room booking and its leadership to criticallyassess why, despite a policy and articulated values that support the rejection of this room booking, providing a platform for transphobia was even considered.
Moreover, ifTPL City Librarian Vickery Bowles and Board members do not cancel this room booking, it willbe a strong demonstration of failed leadership. We then would question how the current City Librarian and Board members could continue to hold authority and their positions when they have ignored their stated values and provided a platform for hate.
Sincerely,
Hazel Plante Reece Steinberg AllisonJones Alison Skyrme Baharak Yousefi Ean Henninger Leanna Jantzi Cristina Freire Faith Jones NickUbels Anne Olsen Kathleen Reed Shirley Lew Luke McLeod Shelby Miller Trina Grover Wanda Power Jenna Grose Daniel Carkner Leila Meshgini Indri Pasaribu Andrea Lukic Lara Maestro Karen Ng Claire Williams Lara Wright Emma Lawson Sheila Hammond-Todd Jane Schmidt
community
presentation.
is
at
purpose
person.”
groups
considered
In
intellectual The
own.”
often
speech
Faust
ideas upholding
society.
has
essential
issues,
often contemporary
LGBTQ2S+
times
Laurier’s
dynamics
statement
I
idea
must
the headed.
contain
ideas essential
with
room principles
and
I
To
too
am
the
am
my
been
the
ways
power
expression
into
a
that
the
Vancouver we
loose
writing
places
be
in
communicated
estimation,
they
(https://www.harvard.edulpresident/speech/20
booking.
whose
professor
opens
I
members
of
Free
countless
her
Ms.
come
Encountering,
guided
pivotal
find
obligation
in
categories
space
we
power
Freedom
of
is
the this
of
these
to
are
members
a
freedom.
the
inspiring
my
a
Banning
Bowles,
rights.
standard, social
—
speech
with
the
intellectual
censor
objectionable,
purpose
booking special
issues,
to
in
principle,
as
pursuit
As
for
as
by
own,
can
to
issues
of
Public
the
tension
dangerous of
Ms.
individuals
words
a
enshrined
Ms.
principles
movements ideas
of
inequality,
social
to
the
I
statement
of
is
be
may
It inescapable
may
in
do
in
and
2017
burden
a
not
Expression
Bowles
uphold
is
and
right
a
of
request is
engaging
in
Bowles
Toronto
speaker
used
the
Library
consultation
not
ftndamental
to
that
however,
to
with
clear
freedom
social
seem on
light
evaluate
I
psychology
could
promote
commencement
acknowledge
library’s be
possibility
and
agree
hurtful,
behalf
against
in
could
on
and
of
the
goals
and
of
stored,
social
from
does
of
appealing the
seeking
indicates
justice,
for
give
Public
intellectual
wrong,
marginalized
with,
support
conclusion
be
fundamental
the
as
Task
in
with
the
we
Ms.
Canadian
who
hurt
of
of
used
not
Ms.
“discrimination,
a
and
public
the
the
with
progress,
reason
library’s
tool
accessed,
Toronto
at
society
must
the
and
equity,
that
Force
Library
the
Murphy’s
to
not
cross
allowable and
they very
midst
wrong. Wilfrid
Bowles’
in
that
for
as
when
university.
colleagues
dismantle
in
learning
position
meeting
the
at
address, her
accept
a freedom.
to
offend,
that
Ms.
the
are
marginalized
words and
— Charter
that
cudgel
odds
groups.
inclusion,
policy
of
freedoms
and
believe
Public
speech
Board,
public
can
in
shared,
As
fight
Laurier
the
or
Vickery
the
public
have
words
line,
the
and
that
political
with
based
how
taken
stated
advance
and
spaces. can
“..
protection
systems
17/201
controversy
against
contempt
and
I
reserving
It
for
Library
hands
of
However,
statement,
that censored.
she am
engaged
nor
we
.we
evaluated,
cannot
hurt many
it.
statement University,
as of
Rights
and to
equal
legal
by
Bowles’
on
by
a
will
also
is
voices
does
Historically,
critique
hurtful,
freedom
7-commencement-speech)
must
polarization.
Bookings,
progressive,
of
knowledge.
any
diversity.
Meghan
and
of
speculation
ultimately
Harvard
are
ideas
experts,
be
or
cross those
the of
rights
uphold
and
oppression
deeply
Ms.
in
number
remember
the
that
regarding
right
hatred
that the
freedom
and
that decision
right
grappling
but
wrong-headed
Freedoms.
that
of
with
Murphy’s
library
that
we
freedom
and
Murphy
library’s
President
we
challenged.
like
Note,
thought,
it
to
they
others
with
concluded
censored
free
to
are
agree
for
The
and
for
of I
of
line
expertise
uphold
social
seek
served
deny
of
all
Oct
and
Meghan
to
what that
groups.
have
is
surely
any
these
voices
speech
however,
a
with same
in
expression
might
library uphold
on
a
of
with,
role
to
firm
prior
Libraries
21,
injustice
belief,
Drew
justice.
public
limiting
her
booking
group
the
expression
they
carefully
many
may
protect.
on
issues
that ideas
these
Its
wrong-
is
in
2019
to
expressing
supporter
protection
Some
Murphy’s
but
seek
appearance
Wilfrid
principle
true
activities,
the
the
shelves
sort
might Gilpin
be
opinion
the
that
or
institution
By is
all
difficult
in
and
some
are
is
to
our
to
of
every
one
this
too
the
an
say
the
r
of
of of ? censor speakers (on the same grounds, from their perspective) from Black Lives Matter, proponents of reproductive rights, critics of colonialism or trans rights activists.
I also appreciate Ms. Bowles’ contention that the principle of intellectual freedom also protects the right to vigorously dispute Ms. Murphy’s ideas: “While TPL encourages public debate and discussion about differing ideas, we also encourage those with opposing or conflicting viewpoints to respectfully challenge each other’s ideas and not the library’s democratic mandate to provide space for both.” One of the best ways to move public understanding forward on controversial issues is to fully engage with and provide considered arguments against the views one finds objectionable. Many of those who oppose Ms. Murphy’s presentation are also well- equipped with the best arguments against Ms. Murphy’s claims. Respectful civil discourse, including strong disagreement, benefits people acting in good faith on both sides of any debate.
Sincerely,
UI’
Dr. Anne Wilson, Professor
Fellow. Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Successful Societies program Psychology Department Wilfrid Lauder University
awilson(Wwlu.ca Sincerely, to You you Subject: Cc: of Your Thank Catherine people. To: Sent: I Dear From: Nancy have the provide rightly have interview Ms. copied Board. you A Marshall come Bowles, democracy Barley a for said, forum I Nancy your have with under the for courage also Carol limit Marshall needs the the copied is Off strongest discussion hate to in on the upholding hear, the speech CBC’s Secretary Saturday, thebarleys Support [email protected]; Vickery Mayor, condemnation debate and As as the debate Sowles It for defined whose of October Happens and right the the make of Toronto of Board views by and topics 19, freedom dearly the decisions I 2019 of applaud I criminal normally Public that Nancy the 1 defined 9:57 of TPL are on 5peech. Library you. Marshall AM code. controversial and whether support, the ask role It does that to but of uphold public she credit not and forward in are institutions to or this seen the condemn case. my Toronto to message be whose unpopular offensive Public role to
S. all Library. by in views. members part, many As is
sending
about Additionally,
and
transgender
urge
wish
platforms
there
that
who
meet
It
we
(schools, been
TPL
persistent We
held
family,
children, gender.
because
determine
transgender As
Parents
conforming
Murphy
October
Dear
is
a
find
violence,
have
very
clearly
failing
routinely
the
us
by
national
extended
their
are
trans
Sue
school
harm.
the
that
all
Many
TPL
from
we
booking
concerning
22,
listened
recreation
people
our
for
Graham-Nutter,
work
obligations
children,
the
our
rights allows
hurtful
community. each
while
children,
2019
in
to
it
people.
their
children
group
all
We
of
and
promotes
best
is
now
the children
become
in
who
us
over
disingenuous
have
on
to
at
know
we
for
community.
divisive
bringing
past
message
approach
consulted
to
programs,
City
of
including
an
the
that
vehemently
we
the
cancellation still
under fare
include a
over
event
more
few
that
and
grounds
child
discrimination
Librarian
Given
the
appeal
political
have
Chair
best
opinions
about
1,000
weeks
to
our
some
TPL
current
that
to
informed
who
specialists
those
gender
our
that
and
of
to
when
Toronto
take.
community.
to
that
seems
the
fight
draws
parents
do
spectrum
the
Vickeiy
people
in
children
let
we
the
health
trans
that
and
human
these
some
TPL
Currently
this
their
us
changes
identity.
have
TPL
against
about
against
to
know
that
are
and
together
Public
women
gain
to
talk
care
and
Bowles
be
circumstances
sense
educating,
Board
witnessed
and
and
say
transgender.
rights
Anti-discrimination
looked
they
recognizing
determined
is
from
caregivers
prominence
the that
services) We
transgender
experts
Library
youth
that
likely
various
of
face
Murphy’s
to
exploit
rights
and
applaud
policies.
we
their
which
into
apply
we
alarmingly
our
that
the
to
were
are
agree
Board,
largely
can
walks
of
the
gender
promote
of
the
Research
publicly
to
(4.4.1.aJ.
these
TPL’s
our
deeply
its
they
by
transgender
our
supporters.
transgender
mistaken
people.
all
latest
rent
concept
policy
that
seeking
children
of
engage
children
do
understand
disturbing
dismissiveness
identity
laws
high
space
life,
disappointed
gender
discrimination
funded
research
not
We
shows
The and
join
of ãrcnts
about
risk
and
publicly-funded
deserve
in
know
benefit.
to
Further,
adults
free
and
TPL cancel
and
is
civil
identity
our
an
institutions
that,
Laflaa;efls
of
policies
trends.
accepted
and
in
their
families
speech.
or
gender
harassment
has
individual
very
group
debate
order
irs
for
safety
the
like
As
to
toward
strive
TPL
policy
against ae1Wafl1.S
is
see
well
&
their
parents
have
Meghan
uenoer
all
deeply
simply
non
by
We
to
and
is
in
the
to
that
te the -4
the library’s public spaces, while it is simultaneously sending an encouraging signal to those who wish to further marginalize and harm transgender people.
Murphy claims to represent women and specifically feminists. She is leveraging the view that women need protection in order to push the TPL into upholding her application to speak. In fact, a large number of feminists working in womens shelters and rape crisis centres have expressed clear public support for federal human rights protections for trans women. Many women have disavowed Murphy’s anti- trans rights opinions.
Is the TPL aware of how its handling of these events has contributed to a transphobic climate and that this has serious impacts? As parents, we witness the toll that direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and violence has on children. Sadly, research shows that 47% of trans youth in Ontario thought about suicide and 19% made attempts in the previous year. Acceptance has been identified as the greatest protective factor yet 68% of trans youth report incidents of verbal harassment targeting their gender identity. These are our children and they deserve better from the TPL.
As community members we are calling for the TPL to do the following: show greater respect toward transgender people bringing forward concerns, apply the TPL cancellation policies to this booking, fulfill TPL’sobligation to the City of Toronto to not use public funds for the promotion of discrimination, and become better informed about transphobia.
Sincerely,
Canadian Parents of Trans and Gender Diverse Kids/ Parents canadiens d’enfants trans, Admin Team Members (names withheld due to concern for the safety of our children and families)
CC Mayor of Toronto, John Tory City Librarian, Vickery Bowles City Councillor, Gord Perks City Councillor, Paul Ainslie Director of Branch Operations, Moe Hosseini-Ara Palmerston Branch Library Service Manager, Elizabeth Sutter Gatineau 75 The application the roles.” publicly explicit CFLA-FCAB the and may imagination, freedoms to CFLA-FCAB for through The defined safeguarding Palmerston support, Toronto, On associations Toronto to 789 Dear October22, rue the uphold Society, significant Tuesday, principles articles Yonge Canadian employers abridge Jolicoeur Ms Constitution declarations UCJ8Y funded Public in any Ontario defend, Graham-Nutter, to Intellectual the Street of the Branch. supports of de hold 2019 media affirms ideas, October free 1A8 of and the public these Universal Library Federation as Law, bibliothèques Canadian intellectual M4W and opinions CFLA-FCAB expression well fostering and and and
that
Canadian Fédération of principles and and discourse Freedom, Board promote 29, 2G8 as fundamental the Declaration opinion, all regardless Board Women?” promotes library 2019 of and libraries, persons law, free freedom rights Ubrary Statement (CFLA-FCAB) to a regarding to the
Chair, governing Federation in to expression.’ lecture and
specific canadienne seek, acknowledgement in have universal of in the nonetheless. http://cfla-fcab.ca [email protected] is Associations of principles Canada.” in to Canada frontiers. scheduled and Human universal the receive express entitled access on library the entities Board performance supports Intellectual principles
challenge of that Rights, have and Further, their practices.
to des
“Gender questions Library principles — to Members, have Fédération the should be impart the
a associations thoughts which of of full fundamental held Freedom library inherent a Taronto libraries intellectual
of Associations Identity: range core do govern CFLA-FCAB of information their at include intellectual arise canadienne publicly. “employees, Toronto responsibility Public of respective in and core the What regarding knowledge,
the de right, freedom, the Libraries service acknowledges responsibility Public right Library’s Only
and bibliothèques does interlocking freedom subject des volunteers library 613.867.7789 ideas for the to Library’s of it while ore @cflafcab uphold free mean decision all courts only as
to Ut speech and the desire to foster inclusive environments, particularly for marginalized communities.
Libraries also encounter pervasive contusion that renting space to a third party equates to support for the third party and CFLA-FCABrecommends that libraries assure thai Room Booking Policies be in place to ensure that this principle is, as much as is possible, clarified
CFLA-FCAB’sPosition on Third Party Use of Publicly Funded Library Meetings Rooms and Facilities: An Interpretation of the Canadian Federation of Library Associations Statement on Intellectual Freedom and Libraries provides an interpretation with regards ta third party use of publicly funded library meetings rooms and facilities, noting the following points:
• Publicly funded libraries that make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use. • CFLA-FCABaffirms that allowing use of its meeting rooms or facilities in no way correlates to the library endorsing the nature of the free expression of any individual or group using a meeting room or facility. • CFLA-FCABaffirms controversial expression is supported in the library. Equally so, challenge to controversial expression is supported. CFLA-FCABdoes not, however, endorse the exercise of prior restraint as a means to avoiding controversy in the library. • CFLA-FCABunequivocally directs libraries to work within the Canadian law and human rights codes. • CFLA-FCABrecognizes Canadian public libraries are subject to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which identifies freedom of expression as one of the four fundamental freedoms in Canada, subject only to reasonable limitsprescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society. • CFLA-FCABrecognizes there is a wide range of measures available to libraries to minimize and correct violations of the law, expecting libraries to exercise due diligence and avoid being willfullyblind to illegal behaviour while ensuring their fundamental commitment to intellectual freedom. • CFLA-FCABis mutually committed to intellectual freedom and to zero tolerance for discrimination, believing the two principles are mutually reinforcing.
CFLA-FCABacknowledges that the issues you are faced with at this time are challenging. CFLA-FCABis currently planning its next National Forum, to be held in Winnipeg, Manitoba in April 2020, to continue the national discussion and engage in
-2- critical discussion on this topic. We encourage you to join us to share your experience and learning with others who are facing the need for the courageous acts that your Board and City Librarian ore undertaking in defence of Intellectual Freedom.
In closing, as previously noted, CFLA-FCABsupports the Toronto Public Librarys decision to allow the event as well as the City Librarians Statement on the upcoming third- party room rental. Toronto Public Library is upholding the principles of intellectual freedom in their decision to rent public space to a third-party group for an event with a controversial speaker at the end of October.
Sincerely. 4t%% SZ\O2C
AIix-Roe Stefanko Choir, CFLA-FCAB cc. Katherine McColgan, Executive Director
‘CFLA-FCABStatement on Intellectual Freedom and Libraries http;/jcfla-ftab.ca/en/guidelines-and-position-papers/statement-on-intellectual-freedom-and llbrr1fI
“UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights http;//www. un crc/en/universal-declaration- human rig htsj
Position on Third Party Use of Publicly Funded Library Meetings Rooms and Facilities; -Fc eeUnrooms&df
City Librarian Statement on Upcoming Third-Party Room Rental Event https://torontoQubliclibry.typepad.com/news_releases/2D19/1O/city-Hbrahan-statement-on- upcoming-third-party-room-rental-event-html
-3-