2008 Woodie Awards
Controversial art exhibit investigation continues
Vic Brotzman
Issue date: 12/7/07 Section: Front Page
As the first semester of the school year draws to a close, there is still some unfinished business.
Dean of the School of Fine Arts James Lentini said his department decided not to enforce penalties on the instructor and art students responsible for the November art project involving seven noose-like ropes and a tire swing, though the university is continuing to pursue its own investigation into the incident.
He said the only part that went wrong was that the project was not contained as it should have been. The instructor will continue to teach at Miami University.
Responding to a letter published in the Nov. 30 issue of The Miami Student by art professor Ellen Jean Price, Lentini said Price's facts were correct.
Price asserted that many of the facts published regarding the hanging of noose-like ropes in a class project along Patterson Avenue were not completely true. She wrote that the while the students' project was pre-approved, the proposal was for a series of playground swings hung at different lengths. But there was no mention of a noose.
According to Price, when the students received approval from grounds to proceed with their project, permission was granted solely on the condition that they did not harm the tree.
While Price was unable to be reached for further comment on her letter, Lentini confirmed that the instructor had not been fully aware of what the students planned to do until he saw it firsthand.
Through talking with the instructor, Lentini said the instructor understood the project could be misinterpreted as racially motivated and he instructed the students to take the display down as soon as their class ended. However, they must have forgotten to do it, or were otherwise distracted, he said.
In regards to the approval from grounds officials, Lentini said the students had been approved for their location and that they would not harm the tree. Additionally, their request made no mention of "nooses," but "scaffold knots" instead. However, Lentini didn't think that was a key issue.
Dean of the School of Fine Arts James Lentini said his department decided not to enforce penalties on the instructor and art students responsible for the November art project involving seven noose-like ropes and a tire swing, though the university is continuing to pursue its own investigation into the incident.
He said the only part that went wrong was that the project was not contained as it should have been. The instructor will continue to teach at Miami University.
Responding to a letter published in the Nov. 30 issue of The Miami Student by art professor Ellen Jean Price, Lentini said Price's facts were correct.
Price asserted that many of the facts published regarding the hanging of noose-like ropes in a class project along Patterson Avenue were not completely true. She wrote that the while the students' project was pre-approved, the proposal was for a series of playground swings hung at different lengths. But there was no mention of a noose.
According to Price, when the students received approval from grounds to proceed with their project, permission was granted solely on the condition that they did not harm the tree.
While Price was unable to be reached for further comment on her letter, Lentini confirmed that the instructor had not been fully aware of what the students planned to do until he saw it firsthand.
Through talking with the instructor, Lentini said the instructor understood the project could be misinterpreted as racially motivated and he instructed the students to take the display down as soon as their class ended. However, they must have forgotten to do it, or were otherwise distracted, he said.
In regards to the approval from grounds officials, Lentini said the students had been approved for their location and that they would not harm the tree. Additionally, their request made no mention of "nooses," but "scaffold knots" instead. However, Lentini didn't think that was a key issue.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 8
Concerned Parent
posted 12/07/07 @ 7:55 AM EST
I still feel that Miami University is whitewashing this civil rights incident, disguised as "art."
Distracted students? The nature of the beast. Surely the instructor knows this and should have been on top of this tasteless reminder of the blatant racism that still exists in this nation, on this campus. (Continued…)
Concerned Alumnus
posted 12/08/07 @ 2:51 PM EST
Regarding the comments made by Concerned Parent to the controversial art project, I agree there is a message of hate here. Unfortunately, the only hate being espoused for certain is contained in the comments from Concerned Parent. (Continued…)
Concerned Parent
posted 12/09/07 @ 9:25 PM EST
In what dictionary or thesaurus of privilege is holding accountable those who are responsible for their decisions and their behavior synonymous with espousing hate?
Another Concerned Parent
posted 12/13/07 @ 10:15 PM EST
To say that this is being handled because it did not meet protocol instead of calling it what it plainly was (the context is part of American history & so it can't be downplayed) RACISM is cowardly. (Continued…)
fred barney
posted 12/16/07 @ 1:59 AM EST
Concerned Parent? Wow I think that you should teach your children that racism only has power if you give it power. Do you believe your children should enshrine a noose in the evil temple of racism? As an object that should make them shudder in fear of anonymous maliciousness? This is an illegitimate and tragic dysfunction of the institutionalization of racism. (Continued…)
Concerned Student
posted 12/18/07 @ 6:22 PM EST
My concern is for society's inability to open their minds about the subject of race, and the symbolism of hatred. Despite any problems regarding protocol, the entire situation started because people can't look past the surface. (Continued…)
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