Student Union Pres. Says Mural Tribute to 'White' Fallen War Heroes Should Be Painted Over

Alex Hall | October 26, 2018
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According to The BBC, Student Union President Emily Dawes of Southampton University in the UK sparked outrage by proposing the removal of a mural dedicated to fallen World War 1 heroes. 

Her tweet, which has since been deleted, but remains visible in screenshots across the internet read: "Mark my words - we're taking down the mural of white men in the uni Senate room, even if I have to paint over it myself."

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The mural was painted in by Sir William Rothenstein in 1916 to as specific tribute to British soldiers who were never able to return and complete their educations, one such unknown soldier is featured receiving his degree.

One comment from a fellow Liberal who thought Emily Dawes rhetoric had gone too far was, 

While the BBC claims that Ms. Dawes defended her bellicose stance at first, she eventually caved, whether due to social pressures or reevaluating her stance, claiming she "never meant the disrespect to anyone past, present and future" which seems highly suspect. One might speculate that the major reason she is sorry for this sentiment is that she received an unexpectedly massive backlash and very little support. 

(Cover Photo: University of Southampton)

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