Cambridge City Councillor Adam Cooper is set to undergo sensitivity training following a breach of council’s code of conduct for sharing a meme on his public Facebook page earlier this year. The integrity commissioner recommended an official reprimand and a 10-day pay deduction for Cooper, although fellow councillors decided against the pay cut.
The meme in question, posted and subsequently deleted by Cooper on January 22, depicted a person with blue hair yelling at the camera with the text “He took my pronouns! I have to live in reality now!” The post, referencing an executive order by former U.S. President Donald Trump impacting 2SLGBTQ+ rights, attracted 10 complaints to the integrity commission.
During discussions, suggestions were made, including donating Cooper’s pay for the 10 days to local charities supporting transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, which was ultimately rejected. An amendment proposed by Coun. Mike Devine mandated Cooper to undergo sensitivity training within three months to gain a new perspective on the matter.
The integrity commissioner’s report, presented by John Mascarin and Meghan Cowan of Aird & Berlis LLP, highlighted the significant public attention and varied responses generated by Cooper’s post. While many condemned the post and called for actions against Cooper, there were also messages of support.
Cowan mentioned that the meme lacked sensitivity and was perceived as mocking individuals with different gender pronoun choices. Cooper, in response, expressed disagreement with the recommendations, stating that he intended to use humor to address the issue and lamented the negative impacts on his family and associates following the incident.
He emphasized the need for respectful dialogue and expressed his commitment to discussing uncomfortable yet essential topics, despite facing backlash and accusations. Cooper criticized what he perceives as a “cancel culture” in politics, advocating for civil and mature discussions on differing perspectives.
