December 13, 2024

Yale Covers Over Its History, Literally

Yale tried to cover up their history, so they do not offend anyone. They have covered the stone carving of a musket, because they fear it will be offensive to people. It was decided that the monument was not appropriate due to the fact that there was a musket carved in it. A lot of other institutions have done this kind of thing.

Key Takeaways:

  • A Yale University statue, depicting a pilgrim and Indian was recently amended to cover up the pilgrim’s musket.
  • The decision to cover the presumablyY offensive weapon reminds some of nudes being strategically painted, or otherwise adorned with fig leaves, during the Protestant Reformation period.
  • Yale also renamed a hall, because it had been named after a former slave owner, preferring to whitewash the past, instead of acknowledging the imperfections of it.

“In order for a free society to exist, its citizens must be committed to the ideal that recognizes and protects the rights of others to freely have and express opinions and ideas which one may find offensive and even reprehensible.”