APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – Lawrence University is doing a mea culpa after a photo taken this summer inside the cupola of Main Hall showed a racial slur, and it was published in the school’s annual report.
The photo of administration officials was taken in front of a wall which included graffiti and the n-word visible just above the head of one of the university cabinet members.
You can see the photo by clicking here.
“We did not see that slur in the photograph, a lot of other people had not seen it, and many eyes took a look at it and proofed it,” said Associate Vice President of Communications Craig Gagnon Tuesday. “Unfortunately we overlooked that.”
Gagnon says its unknown who wrote the slur, as it’s been a tradition for students to write on the wall in the cupola dating back to the 1880s. He says a faculty member had noticed it, and pointed it out.
This comes just a month after some Lawrence University students of color turned in a list of demands and concerns over racism on campus. Gagnon admits the timing isn’t good.
“When it comes to printing a racial slur that’s really unacceptable, so I can certainly understand how some people would react very strongly to that,” said Gagnon. “Which is why we’re working with the students who’ve expressed some concern before in implementing some changes on campus.”
Lawrence University officials sent an email to alumni and donors on Saturday apologizing for the photo.
