Accusations of Censorship at Colorado Museum over Anti-ICE and Pro-Palestine Artwork

Three free speech organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Colorado, are challenging the decision of History Colorado Center, a state museum, to remove a politically charged painting from their exhibition. The painting, created by Denver-based illustrator Madalyn Drewno, features pro-Palestine symbols and commentary on immigration enforcement and political figures.

The artwork, titled “None of Us Are Free Until All of Us Are Free,” was commissioned for the exhibition “Big Dreams in Little Saigon,” which celebrates the Vietnamese community in Denver. The museum claims it removed the painting due to concerns about compliance with the state’s Fair Campaign Practices Act, which restricts state entities from appearing to support political candidates.

However, the ACLU and other groups argue this reasoning doesn’t hold up legally. They believe the museum censored the painting because of its overt political messages. The painting portrays figures like community member Ivy Ha and highlights current social issues, drawing connections between historical and ongoing struggles faced by immigrants and marginalized groups.

Free speech advocates have urged the museum to reinstate the painting and issued a critique of the museum’s justification, asserting that expressing political views in an artwork does not equate to campaigning. Drewno intended to spark dialogue on global interconnectedness and human rights through her paintings and hopes to inspire other artists to voice important narratives.

This incident follows a pattern of censorship controversies, such as the case involving Native American artist Danielle SeeWalker, reinforcing ongoing debates about artistic freedom and censorship.