Public opinion and media debates around Jordan Peterson—discover key moments of controversy.
Jordan Peterson is a Canadian psychologist, author, and commentator who gained prominence in the late 2010s. Known for his views on cultural and political matters, he's often described as conservative, though he identifies as a classical liberal and traditionalist. Peterson's work spans clinical psychology, personality, ideology, and religious and mythological narratives, often emphasizing individual responsibility and meaning in life. He is known for his lectures and debates on diverse subjects.
September 2016: Criticizes Bill C-16
In September 2016, Peterson released a series of videos criticizing Bill C-16.
September 2016: Response to Pronoun Request
In September 2016, Peterson was asked if he would comply with a student's request to use a preferred pronoun.
2016: Criticizes Bill C-16
In 2016, Peterson released YouTube videos criticizing Bill C-16, arguing against compelled speech regarding gender pronouns and critiquing 'political correctness'.
February 2017: Bernier Shifts Position on Bill C-16
In February 2017, Maxime Bernier shifted his position on Bill C-16 to opposition after meeting with Peterson.
April 2017: SSHRC Grant Denied
In April 2017, Peterson was denied a SSHRC grant, leading to claims of retaliation for his statements on Bill C-16 and a crowdfunding campaign in response.
May 2017: Speaks Against Bill C-16
In May 2017, Peterson spoke against Bill C-16 at a Canadian Senate Committee hearing.
November 2017: Shepherd Censure at Wilfrid Laurier University
In November 2017, Lindsay Shepherd was censured at Wilfrid Laurier University for showing a clip of Peterson debating Bill C-16, though the censure was later withdrawn and apologies were issued.
2017: Interview on Self-Censorship
In 2017, Peterson claimed in an interview that reactions on social media had promoted self-censorship among journalists following a public controversy around cultural appropriation.
2017: Calls to Defund Liberal Arts Programs
In 2017, Peterson proposed cutting funding for liberal arts programs in Canada, claiming students were being indoctrinated with "cultural Marxism."
February 2018: Agreement with College of Psychologists of Ontario
In February 2018, Peterson entered into an agreement with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) after a professional misconduct complaint.
June 2018: Debate with Sam Harris
In June 2018, Jordan Peterson participated in a debate with Sam Harris at the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver, moderated by Bret Weinstein, discussing religion and God.
June 2018: Lawsuit Against Wilfrid Laurier University
In June 2018, Peterson filed a $1.5 million lawsuit against Wilfrid Laurier University, alleging defamation by staff members.
2018: Associated with the Intellectual Dark Web
In 2018, Peterson was associated with the "intellectual dark web" in a New York Times article, and has been criticized regarding arguments outside his expertise as "conspiratorial" and "riddled with pseudo-facts".
2018: Channel 4 Interview on Gender Pay Gap
In a 2018 Channel 4 News interview, Peterson debated the gender pay gap with Cathy Newman, leading to online harassment against Newman, which Peterson condemned.
2018: Opposition to Identity Politics
In a 2018 interview with Time magazine, Peterson expressed his opposition to identity politics, arguing it is practiced by both the left and the right and focuses on group membership rather than individual responsibility.
January 2019: Deletes Patreon Account
In January 2019, Peterson deleted his Patreon account in protest of the platform's banning of Carl Benjamin.
March 2019: Cambridge Fellowship Rescinded
In March 2019, Cambridge University rescinded a visiting fellowship invitation to Peterson due to concerns about his association with Islamophobia and the university's commitment to inclusivity.
November 2020: Criticism of Publishing Decision
On November 23, 2020, Penguin Random House Canada (PRH Canada) held an internal town hall where many employees criticized the decision to publish Peterson's book.
2020: Mikhaila's Diet Analyzed
In 2020, a New Republic article described Mikhaila Peterson as a "nutrition 'influencer' with no medical credentials" while analyzing her diet and its promotion.
2020: CPO Investigation
In March 2020, the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC) of the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) investigated statements made by Peterson.
January 2022: Statements Under Review
Between January 2022 and June 2022, some of Peterson's public statements were reviewed and deemed 'disgraceful, dishonourable and/or unprofessional'.
June 2022: Statements Under Review
Between January 2022 and June 2022, some of Peterson's public statements were reviewed and deemed 'disgraceful, dishonourable and/or unprofessional'.
June 2022: Twitter Account Suspended
On 29 June 2022, Peterson's Twitter account was suspended under the site's 'hateful conduct policy' after posting a tweet misgendering Elliot Page.
November 2022: ICRC Orders Remedial Program
In November 2022, the ICRC ordered Peterson to complete a remedial program regarding professionalism in public statements.
2022: Climate Change Denial on Joe Rogan
In 2022, Peterson made inaccurate and misleading statements about climate change and climate modeling on The Joe Rogan Experience, drawing criticism from climate scientists.
2022: Initial Decision
In 2022, the ICRC reached initial decisions regarding Peterson's public statements
August 2023: Judicial Review Upheld
In August 2023, the Ontario Divisional Court upheld the College of Psychologists of Ontario's decision regarding Peterson's public statements.
November 2023: Alliance for Responsible Citizenship Conference
In November 2023, the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship, an organization affiliated with Peterson, held a conference that downplayed anthropogenic climate change and promoted fossil fuels.
January 2024: Appeal Upheld
In January 2024, the Court of Appeal for Ontario upheld the decision against Peterson regarding his public statements.
August 2024: Supreme Court Declines Appeal
In August 2024, the Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear Peterson's appeal, closing legal options for resisting social media training.
October 2024: Trudeau Alleges Funding by RT
In October 2024, Justin Trudeau claimed Peterson was funded by Russian state-owned media, leading Peterson to consider legal action.
November 24, 2024: Criticism in The Guardian
On November 24, 2024, Martha Gill criticized Peterson in The Guardian, noting his appeal to young men through self-improvement and spirituality.