Canada: Peterson's Appeal of Social Media Training Order Denied
The Supreme Court of Canada has denied psychologist Jordan Peterson review of a 2022 social media training order issued to him by the College of Psychologists of Ontario, which was brought in relation to several online posts....
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Facts
- The Supreme Court of Canada has denied psychologist Jordan Peterson review of a 2022 social media training order issued to him by the College of Psychologists of Ontario, which was brought in relation to several online posts.[1]
- Peterson, a registered psychologist since 1999, had not seen patients since 2017. The College ruled that Peterson's online statements were 'degrading, demeaning and unprofessional,' and a lower court dismissed his first appeal last summer.[2]
- Peterson, who's known for his critiques of modern culture, made remarks regarding climate change, gender transition, and a former patient cited by the College in its decision. Peterson has said that these were not made in his capacity as a registered psychologist.[3]
- In an opinion piece published Friday after the high court's Thursday decision, Peterson wrote that while he considered voluntarily renouncing his license in protest of the decision, he will instead take part in the process and make it 'as public as possible.'[4]
- Peterson must now take part in the training program or risk charges of professional misconduct from the College. The Divisional Court had ruled last summer that the order had a 'minimal impact' on Peterson's freedom of expression.[5][3]
Sources: [1]CBC, [2]Toronto Star, [3]Verity, [4]Nationalpost (a) and [5]Nationalpost (b).
Narratives
- Left narrative, as provided by Egale Canada. The College and the courts have done the right thing in holding Peterson accountable for his inflammatory comments. For too long, Peterson has hid behind his credentials as a psychologist when spewing untrue and disparaging rhetoric about marginalized groups and his ideological opponents. His fame should not shield him from standards of professionalism.
- Right narrative, as provided by Nationalpost. The Supreme Court has ruled that an ideologically captured regulatory body has veto power over the speech rights of its members — even if the members' comments have nothing to do with their occupation — and, in addition Peterson, must undergo reeducation to correct wrongthink. This is an Orwellian encroachment on freedom that everyone should oppose.
