By Mayor Richard C. Irvin –
Yesterday (Saturday, April 21), I was informed about a display at the Aurora Public Library and the amount of attention it was drawing from the community. Upon reviewing the display, I immediately contacted the chairman of the Aurora Public Library Board of Directors and asked him to have it removed.
Without question, I understand the importance of freedom of speech and the liberties we are afforded in the United States of America. I proudly served in the United States Army and fought to protect those liberties. What I will not fight to protect is someone’s right to display whatever he or she chooses to describe as art at the expense of the respect and safety of members of our community.
The words in this display, which never should have seen the light of day in our city, were offensive, divisive, and downright prejudice. The display prejudged a group of people under the banner of art and satire. Furthermore, the title alone promoted assault against women underscored by verses which blatantly disrespected an entire faith community. This shouldn’t be tolerated anywhere, and it certainly isn’t tolerated in Aurora.
To add insult to injury, staff members of the Aurora Public Library promoted the display on social media and applauded the ongoing discussions about satire versus hate speech that it prompted. The post nonchalantly stated: “We are pleased that people are talking.” Clearly, this is much deeper than just talk. I and countless others were not pleased about this display and the attempt to justify it as satire. However, I am pleased that the chairman of the Aurora Public Library Board of Directors was just as concerned and ordered the display to be removed.
The Aurora Public Library is its own autonomous taxing body, separate from the city (government) of Aurora, with a board of directors and staff members responsible for the day-to-day operations and decisions. It is a dynamic institution with fantastic learning opportunities for all. In this particular case, those who made the final decision to allow this display, and then to simply write it off as satire, were careless and disconnected.
We have deliberately and intentionally worked hard this past year to strengthen connections in Aurora. From our inclusive invocations at City Council, where faith communities throughout city have been represented to our interfaith initiatives, and monthly ecumenical dialogues which have fostered collaborations once unimaginable, we have sparked a progressive momentum that cannot be halted by disrespect and divisiveness. We can’t just talk the talk. We must walk the walk.
There is something happening in Aurora. It is hope, not hate. It is pride, not prejudice.
