Student Photograph of Woman in Hijab Raises Freedom of Expression Debate

Sooraya Graham, an art student at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC, defends her freedom of expression after a controversial photograph (shown) was removed from its display, last month. The large black-and-white depicts a woman wearing a niqab, or fully-covering head-scarf, and holding up a floral bra.

Graham said her intention was to "humanize" women who wear the niqab.

It had been hung in one of the school's hallways, in mid-March, but was rather soon removed by a passer-by who happens to wear a head-scarf. This act of censorship brought the photograph into the public's view, and now generates debate about cultural differences. Graham had found a business card nearby; when she asked the woman to return the photo, it was refused unless Graham agreed to never post it again.

Without making any deals, the administrators of the school were able to obtain the photograph. It was later learned that the woman was acting on behalf of many women who had seen and been offended by this photo.

• Metro News Vancouver, 8 May 2012
• Vancouver Sun, 13 Apr 2012