Citadel’s apology isn’t enough

Like many, I added my voice to the outrage last week as the Citadel Theatre offended the bastion of our democracy — free expression — by refusing to allow Jordan Peterson to speak at their venue.

This confounded me as the Citadel Theatre stands dedicated to my grandfather Henry (Harry) Hole. As written in the Citadel’s program in 1995, “Harry considered all individuals equal” and “cherished his blessings, friends in all walks of life, his city, his country and its opportunities.”

The Citadel’s vision statement commits to an “inclusive, innovative and international approach” to their future.

Therefore their attempt at an apology on Friday did not go far enough. The Citadel should admit their grievous error directly and publicly apologize to Jordan Peterson and commit to offering him space in their venue another time in the future.

To ensure that this does not happen again, individuals responsible for this decision should resign or be removed. Perhaps then, the Citadel will be able to begin to restore its reputation.

Support for arts organizations is difficult enough without alienating a whole community by breaching a fundamental element of our society — that of allowing free expression and interchange of ideas.

Elaine Hole Pedersen, Edmonton