P.E.I. university apologizes for removing lemming painting that offended Americans

CHARLOTTETOWN – The University of Prince Edward Island apologized today to a former artist in residence who quit after administrators ordered him to remove a painting that offended some American faculty members.

Christopher Griffin’s painting, “The Crossing,” shows lemmings gathered around an American flag as they cross an icy waterway in a boat, an image inspired by the iconic painting of George Washington crossing the Delaware River during the American Revolution. 

Griffin says the artwork is intentionally political as it reflects his dismay over U.S. President Donald Trump’s “insulting and threatening” attitude toward Canada.

The artist quit the unpaid position earlier this week and accused the university of censorship.

The university issued a public apology to Griffin, saying it was wrong to ask him to choose between taking down his painting or leaving his residency.

The university says “The Crossing” will again be displayed in a prominent location at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown, and the institution says Griffin has been asked to return to the campus to talk about his work and show his paintings.

“The decision (to remove the painting) did not reflect our institutional values, and we regret the hurt and frustration it caused,” the statement says. “Art plays an essential role in education and public life — it challenges us, encourages dialogue, and fosters understanding. We fell short of our responsibility to protect that role.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 11, 2025.