Edmonton Public Library tells workers to remove 2SLBGTQ+ pride symbols: Union

A back-and-forth brewing between the Edmonton Public Library (EPL) and the union representing its workers, as the later took to social media to write an open letter, alleging EPL staff have recently been ordered to remove Pride flags displayed within public areas in their workspace.

Calling the move a censorship, CSU52 posted on X saying, “By removing these symbols, EPL risks alienating staff and patrons alike and diminishing the trust that has made the library a progressive leader in accessibility and inclusion.”

Speaking with CityNews, Bryce Jowett, President, CSU52 said, “The Pride flag is a universal symbol of inclusion, it’s a universal symbol that we’re constantly trying to include more people in and make more people feel safe.”

Jowett added that he has received phone calls from about 20 members who said that they are a part 2SLBGTQ+ community and feel this is a weird step to take, making them feel unsafe in their workplace.

“The people in these communities don’t start existing outside of June, to me, and that’s the opinion of me and our whole board at CSU52 that we need to not be walking these things back,” Jowett added.

An email from the library management to the union reviewed by CityNews said pride flags were put up by employees without management direction.

While the union called on EPL and city council to reconsider this ban, the EPL in a statement said there has been no directive to remove Pride flags.

“Today (Thursday), the union representing EPL employees (CSU 52) posted a statement regarding a directive to remove Pride flags at Edmonton Public Library (EPL) branches. This is factually incorrect,” the library said in the statement.

“EPL has never had a system-wide practice of displaying symbols, stickers and/or flags (Pride or otherwise). EPL is committed to creating a welcoming and neutral environment that serves everyone…”

The library also said specific events around pride month in June will still continue, adding that it is disappointed with the union’s “misrepresentation of our organization and its values.”

In 2022 the Edmonton Public Library was under scrutiny for 2SLGBTQ+ programming and drag queen story hour that drew protests.