2008 Woodie Awards
University releases review of controversial artwork
Kellyn Moran
Issue date: 4/15/08 Section: Campus
The Miami University Art Department reviewed and revised procedures after three students installed seven nooses and a tire swing as part of an art project in October 2007.
In reviewing the department's procedures, dele jegede, chair of the School of Fine Arts, said the department found it failed in fully accounting for the October incident in its departmental protocol for such situations.
He said the procedures were updated to account for the artistic potential of such displays, however the freedom of student artists was not infringed in the process.
"One of the things the faculty was unanimous about was no censorship," jegede said. "We do not condone censorship. At the same time, we (recognize the need for artists to take) responsibility."
He said the department is constantly revising the procedures and curriculum, and that this review is just a normal part of their curriculum.
jegede also said the faculty must recognize its responsibility in supervising student art displays.
"As faculty, it is our responsibility and obligation to make sure the unsuspecting public is aware of the context in which art is placed," jegede said. "We also want to make sure (students) are aware of the implications."
Miami President David Hodge said he was pleased with the results of the review, especially the Art Department's actions.
"In general terms, I am pleased with the thoroughness of the review of what happened and, especially, the response of the art department," Hodge said via e-mail.
Hodge said the discussion that the incident sparked should be continued in order to ensure the positive effects of the dialogue last in the long-term.
"Efforts to improve the campus climate must continue at a high level of commitment by everyone at Miami," Hodge said via e-mail. "This incident raised our consciousness, generated important conversations and encouraged that broad effort."
The university also conducted its own review through the Office of Equity and Equal Opportunity. Outside of the Art Department, steps are also being taken to increase cultural sensitivity through extracurricular programming and classes.
A resource Web site was also created through the Center for American and World Cultures, providing media links as well as reading material on the cultural context and symbolism of the noose.
Additionally, the Office of Student Affairs and Office of Diversity Affairs dialogues were cited in the university announcement as targets for opening further discussion about cultural sensitivity on-campus.
In reviewing the department's procedures, dele jegede, chair of the School of Fine Arts, said the department found it failed in fully accounting for the October incident in its departmental protocol for such situations.
He said the procedures were updated to account for the artistic potential of such displays, however the freedom of student artists was not infringed in the process.
"One of the things the faculty was unanimous about was no censorship," jegede said. "We do not condone censorship. At the same time, we (recognize the need for artists to take) responsibility."
He said the department is constantly revising the procedures and curriculum, and that this review is just a normal part of their curriculum.
jegede also said the faculty must recognize its responsibility in supervising student art displays.
"As faculty, it is our responsibility and obligation to make sure the unsuspecting public is aware of the context in which art is placed," jegede said. "We also want to make sure (students) are aware of the implications."
Miami President David Hodge said he was pleased with the results of the review, especially the Art Department's actions.
"In general terms, I am pleased with the thoroughness of the review of what happened and, especially, the response of the art department," Hodge said via e-mail.
Hodge said the discussion that the incident sparked should be continued in order to ensure the positive effects of the dialogue last in the long-term.
"Efforts to improve the campus climate must continue at a high level of commitment by everyone at Miami," Hodge said via e-mail. "This incident raised our consciousness, generated important conversations and encouraged that broad effort."
The university also conducted its own review through the Office of Equity and Equal Opportunity. Outside of the Art Department, steps are also being taken to increase cultural sensitivity through extracurricular programming and classes.
A resource Web site was also created through the Center for American and World Cultures, providing media links as well as reading material on the cultural context and symbolism of the noose.
Additionally, the Office of Student Affairs and Office of Diversity Affairs dialogues were cited in the university announcement as targets for opening further discussion about cultural sensitivity on-campus.
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