Award-Winning Author Resigns Over Publisher's Decision to Pulp Children's Book
An acclaimed pro-Palestinian writer has dramatically severed ties with her publisher, accusing the institution of surrendering to a coordinated smear campaign. Dr. Randa Abdel-Fattah publicly announced her resignation from the University of Queensland Press (UQP) on Thursday, sharing her resignation email on social media platforms.
Publisher Cancels First Nations Children's Book
The controversy centers on UQP's decision to cancel and destroy all printed copies of Bila, a river cycle, a children's picture book written by First Nations poet Jazz Money and illustrated by Matt Chun. This action followed reports in Rupert Murdoch's The Australian newspaper regarding statements made by Mr. Chun in a newsletter titled We Don't Mourn Fascists.
In her resignation letter, Dr. Abdel-Fattah expressed profound disappointment with the publisher's actions. "I am shocked by UQP's shameful and cowardly decision to capitulate to, and thereby legitimise, yet another Murdoch-driven smear campaign by cancelling Bila," she wrote. The author further speculated about future historical analysis of this moment, suggesting people would read about how institutions responded during what she described as a genocide.
University Defends Decision Based on Policies
The University of Queensland issued an official statement confirming the cancellation of Bila, a river cycle. The institution explained that publication had been paused in late January to allow consideration of statements made by illustrator Matt Chun in an online article. "The University has determined the statements made by Matt Chun do not align with the University's policies and values or with its adopted definition of antisemitism," the statement read.
The university expressed regret about the impact on author Jazz Money, emphasizing respect for her work and willingness to collaborate again in the future. Meanwhile, Ms. Money described UQP's decision as "awful" in a statement shared via the Lamestream podcast, criticizing it as environmentally reckless and disrespectful to Aboriginal storytelling.
Illustrator's Controversial Newsletter
Mr. Chun's newsletter addressed the Bondi Beach terror attack in December, where fifteen innocent people lost their lives. In his writing, he challenged the characterization of the attack as antisemitic, describing the targeted organization as "a network of centres and institutions which actively, publicly, and extensively helps to facilitate the ongoing Zionist and Euro-American imperialist holocaust of Palestine."
This perspective sparked aggressive headlines in Murdoch-owned media, ultimately leading to UQP's decision to pulp all five thousand copies of the children's book. The illustrator's comments came amid heightened tensions following the Bondi attack, with various organizations issuing statements about rising antisemitism and social cohesion.
Growing Author Exodus from Publisher
Dr. Abdel-Fattah is not alone in her departure from UQP. Authors Natalia Figueroa Barroso and Evelyn Araluen have also announced they will be leaving the publisher following the book's cancellation. The award-winning author expressed concern that her forthcoming 2025 novel Discipline, which explores themes related to the war in Gaza, might suffer similar consequences.
"I cannot bear to publish my next book with a publisher that has empowered bullies to move against a First Nations, queer woman poet," Dr. Abdel-Fattah declared. She noted the irony of a publisher that has built its reputation on publishing First Nations writers now taking actions against them.
Pattern of Controversy and Censorship
The author has faced previous challenges related to her pro-Palestinian activism. She was uninvited from Adelaide Writers' Week this year over "cultural sensitivity" concerns following the Bondi attack. Jewish academics previously wrote to Bendigo Writers Festival complaining about her participation in a panel about censorship, and her appearance at Newcastle Writers' Festival faced criticism from Jewish groups and NSW Premier Chris Minns.
Dr. Abdel-Fattah argued that UQP should have anticipated the backlash against Ms. Money and Mr. Chun given this pattern. She contrasted what she perceived as disproportionate outrage over Mr. Chun's article with what she described as insufficient concern for Palestinian lives lost in the ongoing conflict.
Broader Implications for Publishing Industry
The resignation highlights growing tensions within Australia's literary community regarding freedom of expression, political pressure, and institutional responses to controversial topics. Dr. Abdel-Fattah accused UQP of choosing "the side of the bullies, the powerful, and the resourced, over marginalised minorities" by aligning with what she characterized as pro-Israel lobbyists and Murdoch media interests.
Despite her criticism of the publisher's leadership, the author thanked individual team members who "do not deserve to be tarnished by this ugly, racist decision." The Daily Mail has contacted Rupert Murdoch's NewsCorp for comment regarding Dr. Abdel-Fattah's allegations about media influence on publishing decisions.
