MEDIA ADVISORY: Public Forums to Discuss the Future of Statuary at UT Austin
Two public forums will gather comment on the historical representation of the statuary on the Main Mall at UT Austin.
EVENT: Two public forums to gather comment on the historical representation of the statuary on the Main Mall at The University of Texas at Austin.
WHEN: Tuesday, July 7, noon-2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 15, 3-5 p.m.
WHERE: July 7: Student Activity Center Auditorium on UT Austin campus
July 15: San Jacinto Hall Multipurpose Room (Room 207) on UT Austin campus
WHO MAY ATTEND: The forums are open to all UT Austin students, employees, alumni and members of the larger community. Media are also invited to cover the forums.
BACKGROUND: UT Austin President Gregory L. Fenves has appointed a 12-member panel to examine the historical, artistic and political intent of the statuary located on the Main Mall of The University of Texas campus. Led by Dr. Gregory Vincent, vice president for diversity and community engagement, the task force, which will gather public input at the forums, has the following charges:
- Analyze the artistic, social and political intent of the statuary on the Main Mall, with a particular focus on the statue of Jefferson Davis, as well as the historical context that they represent.
- Review the previous controversies over the Main Mall statues and factors that are similar and different today.
- Develop an array of alternatives for the Main Mall statues, particularly the statue of Jefferson Davis, with special attention to artistic and historical factors considering the university’s role as an educational and research institution. In providing alternatives, a discussion of the pros and cons for each alternative from the perspective of students, faculty members, alumni and other important campus constituencies will be particularly useful.
All persons who wish to speak at the forum will be asked to sign up in person beginning 30 minutes before the forum starts. Sign-up for the July 7 forum will be 11:30-noon; for the July 15 forum, 2:30-3 p.m. If there is time after all who have signed up have had a chance to speak, the floor will be open to others.
For updates about the public forums, visit http://ddce.utexas.edu/statues. People unable to attend the forum, but who wish to provide input, may provide comments online at http://ddce.utexas.edu/statues, or by calling 512-471-3183 to leave comments on a voicemail system.
Parking for the forums will be available in the Brazos Garage, 210 E. MLK Jr. Blvd., or in any of the other university parking garages. Please visit http://www.utexas.edu/parking/visitor/ for details about parking on The University of Texas at Austin campus.
