Painting the cannon: free speech is challenged by a campus tradition

Painting the cannon is a classic U of G tradition and a great way to let out creativity while portraying important messages that affect the student body. CREDIT: TAYLOR PIPE

Painting the cannon: free speech and a campus tradition

Politics, student customs, and the debate sparked by their overlap

ANNA MCIVOR

Painting the British naval cannon, seen in Branion Plaza, is a longstanding tradition within the Guelph student community. It is fondly known as Old Jeremiah, and most nights it is given a fresh coat of paint by students, clubs, or even faculty.

Recently, the cannon has become the centre of a contentious debate on campus. This was started when the Ukrainian Ssociety painted the cannon in support of freeing Ukraine after Russia invaded the country earlier this year. This show of support was painted over before dawn in what was suspected to be a targeted attack.

Following this event, the Iranian society painted the cannon to express support for the protests that have been taking place around the world following the death of Mahsa Amini. Mahsa Amini died at the hands of the police for allegedly breaching Iran’s strict rules that require women to cover their hair. This resulted in protests around the world pushing for improved women’s rights in Iran. Participation in this movement extended to Guelph where the cannon was painted, and yet again it was painted over before dawn.

This has sparked outrage and a heated debate about the purpose of campus traditions, free speech on campus, and where these two topics overlap.

Campus traditions such as painting the cannon have always been a political outlet for students. This has been seen through many designs which depicted climate protests, religious holidays and celebrations, and political events. This is not the first time that the cannon has been at the centre of conversation. In 2019, the cannon was painted with the message ‘Stand with Hong Kong’ which also sparked a debate on campus surrounding free speech and the use of traditions to express political opinions. The political message supporting Hong Kong and democracy was also painted over several times.

These events are taking place in countries that are thousands of miles away from Guelph, yet these events impact the University of Guelph’s student body and manifested themselves on the campus. The University of Guelph is part of a larger society, therefore it would be ignorant to ignore events happening around the world.

Freedom of speech within the campus environment is a contentious issue. However, being able to express your opinions without fear is a key part of the university. Students should be able to have an outlet for their opinions and to express their feelings towards events taking place in their lives. However, their outlet should not infringe on others and their safety on campus.

Painting the cannon: What are the rules?

Not many campus traditions have rules to follow, but due to the popularity of this tradition, some rules and guidelines are in place.

This tradition is popular amongst students, so generally students guard the cannon to ensure they can be the ones to paint it after dark. Those painting it have to be done by the time students begin to arrive on campus in the morning.

Those that paint the cannon can be as creative as they like with their choice of artwork, but no profanity is allowed. Generally, to protect their hard work students guard the cannon till dawn so that their work is not painted over.

In order for the cannon painting to continue, it is vital that students respect the rules as without them it would no longer be a safe space to express yourself.