University of Kentucky Mural
Artist: Ann Rice O'Hanlon
Year: 1934
Date of Action: June 2020 - December 2022
Region: North America
Location: Memorial Hall, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
Subject: Political/Economic/Social Opinion
Medium: Painting
Confronting Bodies: University of Kentucky
Description of Artwork: The 45-foot mural is located at Memorial Hall at the University of Kentucky. It depicts images of how slaves were treated and marginalized, including images of labor and service for the white individuals in the mural.
The Incident: In June 2020, Eli Capilouto, President of the University of Kentucky, announced the plan to remove the mural from its current location. This announcement was met with a lawsuit from author Wendell Berry and criticism from the National Coalition Against Censorship. Berry claimed the piece was publicly owned and educational, and relocating it would potentially harm the piece.
Results of Incident: Berry's lawsuit postponed the removal and relocation of the mural. After a period of deliberation, the Board of Trustees announced November 2022 that they have allocated funds towards the removal and relocation of the mural. In the meantime, the mural has been covered after student protests.
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