Vandals marred nine of 14 student murals on the south fence of the Memorial Union construction site. In a letter to the campus community, Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef expressed his concern over the crimes and his hope that the investigation will lead to the punishment of those responsible. It was hurtful, malicious, criminal behavior and it deserves nothing less than our collective condemnation. Affected student groups have questioned administrators' decision to paint over the slurs approximately 15 to 20 minutes after they were discovered. Some say the university is attempting to hide what occurred and are concerned that students were not given the opportunity to see the aftermath of the hate crime.
Students have a right to know exactly what is happening in their community.
According to Bob Franks, associate vice chancellor for student affairs, the murals were draped with plastic upon discovery so that tour groups would not see the effect of the hate crime and were consequently blotted out when a painting crew arrived. He stressed that the university was not attempting to cover up what had happened, but simply following long-standing policy regarding graffiti. However, Mack pointed out that students from her group asked officials to move the plastic aside so they could see the mural before it was repainted and their request was denied. Franks said the students were told they could see the murals when they were uncovered for the painters. Police took photos of the damage for evidence, but according to Mack, students have not been allowed to see the photos for legal reasons.