Community group accuses Sunnyvale of censorship over 'Historic Palestine' poster at arts fair

A community group in Sunnyvale, California, accused the city of censorship during the Hands on the Arts Festival after being asked to remove a poster labeled "Historic Palestine. " The group's co-founder expressed concern over aggressive complaints from a woman pointing to their poster, which depicted a historic map of Palestine, leading to the intervention of city staff and the mayor. They claimed they were not informed about the requirement for pre-approval of materials and the existence of a designated free speech area at the event. Instead of removing the sign, the group chose to leave, stating, "We didn't want to be censored. " The Council on American Islamic Relations has echoed calls for an apology and further education for city staff on handling such matters.

City manager Tim Kirby confirmed that all materials displayed at the event must be approved, emphasizing the need for compliance among artists. The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the representation of Palestinian culture in public spaces. The group’s co-founder clarified that the issue is rooted in anti-Palestinian sentiment rather than Islamophobia, emphasizing the need for dialogue and understanding.