Protest planned for Peterson event at Centre in the Square

After months of discussion between concerned residents, the City of Kitchener and Centre in the Square, a controversial personality is set to make their scheduled appearance in the Region of Waterloo this evening. 

As part of a promotional book tour, Jordan B. Peterson is set to hit the stage at the Centre in the Square for a sold out show — despite continuing calls from a number of community groups and concerned residents to see the show cancelled or counter-programmed.

In the months leading up to tonight's appearance, several of those groups have delegated to Kitchener council to share their own lived experiences of being targeted by hate, as well as concerns of alleged transphobic, homophobic and misogynistic rhetoric spread by the speaker and the impact those views could have locally.

Tonight's event will be marked by a protest outside the venue, supported by several community groups, as organizers look to express their frustration with a perceived lack of action from local dignitaries and the venue to see the show cancelled, while also sending the message that “Hate is Not Welcome Here” in Waterloo Region. 

CityNews spoke with one of the organizers of the protest on the condition of anonymity, as she explained why this day-of protest is necessary to oppose Peterson's alleged views.

“It doesn't make sense that a venue that receives a grant from the city every year, a venue that has members of its board who also sit on city council including Mayor Vrbanovic… it doesn't make sense that their hands are tied with regards to who gets a platform in our city. We are not satisfied by their failure to prevent this event from happening,” said the organizer. “We want to provide a non-violent demonstration response to say that hate is not welcome here, and that we stand with our marginalized community members…”

In a previous council discussion, staff from the City of Kitchener indicated they had sought “extensive legal advice” to ensure the role of council and CITS in upholding the rights and obligations under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Speaking during a mid-April council meeting, General Manager of Corporate Services for the city, Victoria Raab emphasized that Kitchener city council has “no authority or mandate” to direct the operations of Centre in the Square, adding that while members of council may be on the venue's board, they do not constitute quorum. 

“More specifically, government bodies including municipalities are obligated to not interfere with or deny individuals their protected rights under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” said Raab. “For council to interfere in the ability of this rental to proceed would be a denial of the performer's right to Freedom of Expression, and as such, any attempt to modify, censor or cancel the Jordan Peterson performance would result in a legal challenge and would be expensive, exorbitant and the outcome of which would be questionable.”

Centre in the Square has also clarified on several occasions that Peterson's 'Beyond Order' tour event is a third-party rental through live nation, as they maintain that the venue is available to bookings “so long as the content of the show being presented has not been found to violate the Ontario Human Rights Code or involve criminal activity.” CITS has also stated that the rental is not indicative of an endorsement for Peterson's content, acknowledging that some may find Peterson's views to be offensive. 

Accusing Peterson's fan-base of being largely composed of “angry, hate-filled violent people,” the protest's organizer alleged the well-known podcaster and clinical psychologist's audience of engaging in “coordinated campaigns of attack” against those who publicly oppose him, an experience that NDP Candidate for Kitchener-Centre Laura Mae Lindo maintains her staff were victim to. 

In a statement sent to CityNews, Lindo added her voice to the call of tonight's protest, as she said that “Mr. Peterson's racist and transphobic worldview[s] are simply not welcome here.”

Accusing Peterson of “mischaracterizing” her own racial equity work in the development of Bill 67, the Racial Equity in the Education System Act, Lindo said she and her staff were subjected to “weeks of harassment and threats.” Lindo has indicated that she will be in attendance at the planned rally, inviting members of the community to join her in speaking out against “any views that further division amongst us.”

“Despite his attempts to silence us, we are undeterred,” wrote Lindo. “My team along with so many others across Waterloo Region and beyond will never stop working to build a more equitable and just province.”

While those in opposition to Peterson and his alleged views have been encouraged to speak with their “pocket book” in not attending the event, the organizer of tonight's protest indicated that response is insufficient — arguing that Peterson “needs to know that he is not welcomed by all members of this community.”

“More importantly, the marginalized members of this community who are already at higher risk of violent attacks, murders and suicides… who are already living with stigma, hate and discrimination against them… it is so important that in response to the messaging of Peterson, they see that members of their community will not tolerate it, and stand in support of them because they are valuable members of this community as much as anyone else.”

They added that, though members of Kitchener council may feel their hands were tied in how to respond to Peterson's appearance, they're still welcome to attend tonight's protest to add their voice in opposition. 

“Peterson's rhetoric is trying to suppress and oppress peoples' right of Freedom of Expression themselves,” argued the organizer. “I don't know how our charter allows us to defend platforming speech that incites hatred against marginalized groups, and (…) if their hands are tied from a legal standpoint and they couldn't prevent this event from happening, then I would be glad to see them protesting alongside us against the content of Peterson's rhetoric.”

Ahead of tonight's lecture by Peterson, the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region has also released a statement regarding his appearance in solidarity with the planned demonstration. Accusing Peterson of openly espousing “sexist, racist and transphobic ideology,” the local community-based support argue that the speaker's alleged viewpoints should not be given a “publicly funded platform” in the community.

They've since released a number of suggestions for those looking to offer their support to the community in challenging Peterson's “toxic perspectives,” including supporting organizations working to “dismantle the toxic ideas” that he allegedly perpetuates, encouraging men to be part of conversations counteracting said viewpoints and voicing concern to elected officials. 

Waterloo Regional Police have indicated that they are aware of Peterson's appearance and tonight's demonstration, and will have a police presence on scene to ensure public safety. 

We, at GroundUP, are supporting the organizers of the counter protest next week. White cis allies please show up. For folks who want to show solidarity but don't want to deal with JP's supporters the organizers have spaces for you. Please DM for details. pic.twitter.com/PZigr9N0Cg

— GroundUpWR (@GroundUpWR) May 20, 2022