UPEI apologizes for removing controversial artwork amid backlash

April 11, 2025, 10:21 am

Three news reports detail the incident at the University of Prince Edward Island following the removal of a painting that offended some American faculty members. The controversy erupted over the portrayal in the lemming-themed artwork, sparking an outcry regarding cultural sensitivity and the limits of artistic expression on campus. In response, the university issued a formal apology and indicated plans to review its art policies, highlighting the tension between creative freedom and stakeholder sensitivities.

ottawacitizen.com / Ottawa-Charlottetown artist wins apology over censorship of politically charged painting

The veterinary college at UPEI also invited Christopher Griffin to discuss and show his work in a yet-to-be-scheduled public forum.

nationalpost.com / Canadian university apologizes for asking artist to remove his ‘political’ painting

The Crossing bears a resemblance to Washington Crossing the Delaware, but with lemmings instead of Revolutionary soldiers

torontosun.com / P.E.I. university apologizes for removing lemming painting that offended Americans

UPEI apologized to ex-artist Christopher Griffin after he resigned when administrators ordered him to remove his painting “The Crossing,” which featured lemmings around an American flag and offended some American faculty members.

theglobeandmail.com / University of PEI apologizes for removing lemming painting that offended Americans

Christopher Griffin’s painting The Crossing was inspired by the painting of George Washington crossing the Delaware River during the American Revolution

thestar.com / P.E.I. university apologizes for removing lemming painting that offended Americans

CHARLOTTETOWN - The University of Prince Edward Island apologized today to a former artist in residence who quit after administrators ordered him to remove a painting that offended some American faculty members.

winnipegfreepress.com / P.E.I. university apologizes for removing lemming painting that offended Americans

6 stories from 6 sources in 3 days ago ... #us-relations #education #culture #prince-edward-island #politics

Related Tags

UPEI apologizes for removing controversial artwork amid backlash

Related Tags

US Relations

Education

Culture

Prince Edward Island

Politics