An Aurora-based artist is appealing to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario after she said the Aurora Public Library discriminated against her by censoring her 2023 art show.
Yafang Shi’s exhibition called Fire II was set to be displayed at the Aurora Public Library in March 2023, until the library asked Shi to remove two images, which showed protesters holding signs criticizing Premier Doug Ford, and change her artist statement, which commented on former U.S. president Donald Trump.
The library said the images contravened the library’s public art policy regarding political neutrality. But after some back and forth, its board ultimately voted to allow the exhibit, but with a sign outside noting the library did not endorse the opinions of the display.
Shi now says that posting that sign, the fact the library did not produce a promotional video for the exhibit, and its absence from the library’s website represents “continued censorship, erasure, discrimination and reprisals.”
In her appeal, Shi asks for $10,000 compensation for impacts to her mental health, career, and cost of consulting a human rights lawyer. She is also asking both the town and library to develop "human rights policies," diversify the library's board, and bring back its anti-racism task force.
Shi, who described the past months as “frustrating and traumatic,” filed an appeal with the human rights tribunal on Oct. 2. On Nov. 1, the tribunal issued a notice to respond to the town and the library. Both have 35 days to respond.
A spokesperson for the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario confirmed in an email statement that the application "has been served on all respondents and continues to be within its processes."
When asked for comment, a Town of Aurora spokesperson said the library is an “independent non-profit organization” and referred AuroraToday to a statement from Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas in March 2023, which commended the library for listening to residents’ concerns and reversing its decision on blocking the exhibit.
“The town strongly supports the arts and the artistic expression that comes with it,” Mrakas said. “I believe it is imperative that all public institutions continually review their policies and guidelines to ensure they are as progressive and inclusive as possible.”
The Aurora Public Library did not respond to requests for comment.
While Shi said she's focused on the tribunal appeal for now, she said she may consider legal remedies in the future.
Shi was previously the winner of the Resiliency Award from York Region Arts Council’s YR Arts Awards in 2022.
