Ken SApr 23

University Of Queensland Press sees exodus of authors following handling of ‘anti-semitism’ allegations

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-23/authors-quit-university-of-queensland-press-jazz-money-matt-chun/106596326
#AusBiz #AusPol #QldPol

Authors leave publisher after kids book cancelled for illustrator's comments

Writers including Evelyn Araluen and Randa Abdel-Fattah have left University of Queensland Press after the publisher axed publication of an Indigenous kids book over its illustrator's past "anti-Semitic" comments.

Show threadKen SApr 23

As a Jew, I am very aware of the reality of antisemitism. But as a writer, I do not believe we counter racism, antisemitism, homophobia or transphobia by boycotts and cancellations.

https://theconversation.com/uqp-has-cancelled-a-childrens-book-illustrated-by-matt-chun-citing-antisemitism-281316 #AusBiz #AusPol #QldPol

UQP has cancelled a children’s book illustrated by Matt Chun, citing antisemitism

We live in an era that increasingly seeks to cancel authors for their political views, even when these views are not reflected in their creative works.

The Conversation
Show threadBytebro 🇬🇧 🇺🇦 🇬🇱

@ki_sekiya

The quote that stuck with me was:

"I would not invite Chun, Rowling or Allen to dinner. But I am unwilling to argue we should cancel their work, especially when their views are not part of the work being cancelled."

It's a 'hard problem', I think.

Apr 23 at 1:31pmWeb
Show threadKen SApr 23

@bytebro definitely, a ‘hard problem’.
(Where everyone is in the wrong and everyone is in the right.)

And one that could have been handled with more tact if Organisations actually bother to purposefully employ people from Humanities background.