Tell Vancouver Public Library to Reverse Anti-Palestinian Ban
Vancouver Public Library (VPL) is effectively banning staff from wearing symbols of solidarity with Palestinians, including watermelon pins and keffiyehs.
This overreach in enforcement contradicts the library’s
stated commitment to inclusion, decolonization, and intellectual
freedom. The VPL's suggestion that keffiyehs and watermelons—symbols of
Palestinian heritage and resistance—are “threatening” or "divisive" perpetuates harmful anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab, anti-Muslim
stereotypes. Staff were also told they could only wear Palestinian
symbols if they spoke “Palestinian Arabic,” reducing Palestinian
heritage to a language test.
The
International Federation of Library Associations, of which the VPL is
an institutional member, has spoken out about the destruction of
libraries and cultural property in Gaza. At least 13 public libraries
have been completely destroyed in Gaza, as Israel openly commits
genocide.
By censoring
Palestinian voices, suppressing expressions of support with
Palestinians resisting settler-colonial occupation, and enforcing
anti-Palestinian and anti-worker policies, the library is failing to
uphold it's own core values.
We love our libraries! Tell VPL admin to immediately reverse their defacto ban on Palestinian symbols and put an end to this anti-Palestinian racism! And stay tuned for more updates and mobilizing.
More:
Palestinian Symbols Banned at Vancouver Public Library
Vancouver Public Library defends policy that prevents staff from wearing Palestinian symbols
Letter Campaign by
Concerned Patrons of VPL