The Smyrna School District announced that the controversial painting of political activist Angela Davis that spurred a student protest would be restored to full view. The painting, which was made by several students under the supervision of staff, received backlash for the depiction of Ms. Davis, who has ties to controversial political causes.
- This was an excellent woman to pick. Her interaction with her community and her fight for justice and equal rights makes her the perfect role model. — Princess Pearson
- A communist is the perfect role model? — Bob Merring
- She resigned from the U.S. Communist Party in the ’90s. She’s actually a feminist Marxist. And the students picked her for her activism, for creating change. — Kate Pearl
- I am unsure of the movement to oppress our educators. Is it because they want warm and fuzzies about our history only? Or are they are trying to put us back into that situation, so they can advance a narrative of making it an accepted practice again? Certainly, censoring this particular mural appears about as racist as one can be. It represents struggles of people of color and their “final straw.” Murals like this should be celebrated! They should be discussed and understood, not censored and oppressed. Even the students (those being taught inclusion and respect for all) understand the importance of this mural being left up. — George Santayana
- Whether you like the subject of the artwork or not, that mural should’ve never been covered. And for what it’s worth, we can’t stand communism. However, what occurred was a knee-jerk reaction in the form of censorship by the government — a clear violation of our protected right to free speech. — Libertarian Party of New Castle County
- Others have been refused having things displayed on the grounds, that it was too political. If political statements are not allowed, this should not be allowed either. If it is, then the other kids’ stuff should now be displayed. It is the double standard that is at issue, in my opinion. — Diane Butters-Eastburn
- You know what would be nice to see from journalists? Tell us who made the complaint. Were they students? Were they parents? Were they anyone related to the school? So who is this person? Frankly, I think this is an end run on other reasons people are upset at the mural, but those people don’t want to actually say anything. — Dale Bert
- Can we please leave politics out of our children’s education? This is why we are doomed. — Marc Dennis
