We must not disturb the delicate minds of our college students.

The College Fix reports.

U. Wisconsin-Stout to remove pics of Native Americans due to potential ‘harmful effects’ on students

The chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Stout has announced that “two of three historic paintings depicting interactions between white traders and First Nations people” will be taken down from the school’s Harvey Hall due to their “potentially ‘harmful effect’ on students and other viewers.”

That’s right, a so-called college diversity group has struck again.

UW-Stout’s Diversity Leadership Team (DLT) came across the paintings this summer and became concerned that their depictions of Natives would “reinforce racial stereotypes.”

The group met with Chancellor Bob Meyer to discuss their misgivings, and Meyer ended up agreeing with them.

As reports the National Coalition Against Censorship, Meyer announced “Because of the risk of ‘having a harmful effect on our students and other viewers,’ the paintings will not appear in the new Harvey Hall and will be placed into storage.”

The paintings must be placed in a “controlled gallery space,” Meyer continued, which will provide “context” for viewers.

From the article:

Timothy Shiell, an English and Philosophy professor at the University, who contacted NCAC about the incident, expressed frustration over the decision. The Chancellor did not consult the rest of the university faculty, groups or student body prior to the making of the decision, Prof. Shiell explained.

He noted the precedent the decision sets when similar complaints are leveled at the university in the future. “Shrouding or moving the painting does not educate anyone or stimulate any learning or dialogue,” Prof. Shiell said in a statement. “American history and representations of that history can be ugly and offensive.  But hiding them doesn’t change the past or the future.”

A U.S. History Professor at UW-Stout agrees with Chancellor Meyer’s decision, however. Prof Kate Thomas argues the paintings stand in the way of the university’s goal of creating an environment inclusive of diverse populations, including Native Americans.


 
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