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Race related signs posted at UB as "art project"

Posted at 10:01 AM, Sep 19, 2015
and last updated 2015-09-19 10:01:43-04

The University at Buffalo says signs reading 'White Only' and 'Black Only' were posted on the North Campus as part of a student art project.

According to the student run newspaper, The Spectrum, students started noticing the signs posted in Clemens Hall on Wednesday afternoon.

Marlee Tuskes of The Spectrum says the University Police Department said four signs were located and removed from the building. They were hanging near restrooms and water fountains.

During a Black Student Union meeting Wednesday evening, Micah Oliver, president of the organization, said an African American student stood up and said she posted the signs as part of an art project.

"This was more than a black issue, more than a Black Student Union issue, this was a student issue," said Oliver. "The student body should be offended."

Oliver went on to say the signs were "bitterly offensive" because of their historical context.

The University released the following statement:

“After an initial investigation by University Police, it has been determined that the signs posted in Clemens Hall were part of a student art project. The University is continuing to review this matter through appropriate university policies and procedures.”

Ashley Powell, the student behind the controversial art project, wrote a letter to the editorof the UB Spectrum responding to critics.

 
 

 

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