Dennis Altman: UQP Has Cancelled a Children’s Book Illustrated by Matt Chun, Citing Antisemitism

Why It Matters

The decision threatens the credibility of academic presses and highlights the clash between anti‑antisemitism policies and artistic freedom, potentially reshaping how publishers handle controversial creators.

Key Takeaways

• UQP scrapped 5,000 copies of *Bila: A River Cycle*.
• Decision based on illustrator Matt Chun’s controversial anti‑fascist article.
• Prominent Indigenous authors withdrew from UQP in protest.
• Debate highlights tension between antisemitism policies and artistic freedom.
• Cancel culture scrutiny intensifies across Australian literary scene.

Pulse Analysis

The University of Queensland Press’s abrupt cancellation of *Bila: A River Cycle* underscores how institutional definitions of antisemitism can extend beyond a work’s content to the personal views of its creators. While the children’s book itself contains no offensive material, UQP invoked its adopted antisemitism policy after illustrator Matt Chun published a polemic linking the Bondi Chanukah celebration to Zionist violence. This action reflects a growing trend among universities and cultural institutions to pre‑emptively distance themselves from creators whose extratextual statements clash with evolving social standards.

The backlash has been swift and vocal, with leading Indigenous authors such as Evelyn Araluen, Anita Heiss, and Randa Abdel‑Fattah publicly severing ties with UQP. Their collective response frames the issue as not merely a dispute over a single illustration but a broader assault on free expression within the Australian literary community. By threatening contractual obligations and withdrawing future manuscripts, these writers signal that punitive measures against one contributor can jeopardize the trust and goodwill essential for publishing houses that rely on diverse voices.

Beyond the immediate controversy, the incident adds momentum to a national conversation about cancel culture in the arts. Recent cases—from book retailers pulling titles by Matt Chun to theater companies canceling performances over political statements—illustrate how cultural gatekeepers are navigating a delicate balance between protecting marginalized groups and preserving open discourse. As Australian publishers grapple with these pressures, the outcome may reshape editorial policies, contract clauses, and the criteria used to assess an author’s or illustrator’s suitability, ultimately influencing the market’s willingness to embrace contentious yet culturally significant works.