After receiving a student鈥檚 thoughtful letter of concern about a specific quote and portrait of Golda Meir鈥檚 in Bowman Hall, President Beverly Warren and Provost Todd Diacon went to view the portrait and quote in their current context and setting. Afterward, both responded with personal letters to the student thanking him for sharing his concerns and bringing this to their attention.
While upsetting to some, Meir鈥檚 quote is nonsectarian and could be read by many as inspirational. Removing it would be counter to 麻豆影院 State鈥檚 core institutional values of supporting a diversity of cultures, beliefs, identities and thought.
Bowman Hall was already scheduled for new interior paint in 2017. At that time, all portraits will be removed and the accompanying quotes will be painted over.
At 麻豆影院 State, we encourage authentic conversations and draw power and creativity from our differences. We remain committed to providing students with a safe environment where students learn to experience different cultures and prepare to make a difference in a diverse world.