By Julia Mericle
News Assignment Editor
The Office of Safety and Security continued to investigate the vandalism of the “Witness Walk” artwork that occurred sometime between Jan. 21 and Jan. 22.
According to Ralph Aloia, interim director of Safety and Security, the department has narrowed down the time frame and is still pursuing leads. Aloia said he could not further comment on specifics regarding the incident, as it is still an open case.
“There are always additional steps considered when things like this happen,” Aloia said. “This could be anything from extra security in the form of increased patrols to hardware, door locking scheduling, or even video surveillance.”
Currently there are no security cameras in the University Chapel.
“Of course, our best security defense is everyone taking pride and ownership of the campus by reporting incidents like these and looking out for each other,” Aloia said.
The damage to the artwork will be fixed and, if the need arises, will continue to be repaired, Sean Conklin, assistant curator of the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts and creator of the display for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day event, said.
Conklin said he is saddened by the event.
“On a personal level, to see work that I’ve put so much time and energy into creating be mindlessly destroyed is very disheartening,” Conklin said. “However, on a larger level, the act itself only serves to highlight why these icons were created and why the Witness Walk took place.”
Conklin said the destruction is especially disrespectful due to its location in the University Chapel.
“I’m not surprised in the least and that’s the worst part,” junior philosophy major Joseph Ferencik said. “We have an ultra-conservative student body sorely lacking in diversity, and unfortunately I almost expect things like this.”
Conklin, however, said during his experience working for the university he has seen repeated acts of selflessness and respect.
“If anything, this act demonstrates the continued need for these types of conversations and events to happen and the continued support they deserve at our university.”
Contact Safety and Security with questions at (716)375-2525.
