Vandals defaced the northeast corner of 12th and Merchant Street near the William Allen White Library last Tuesday evening. It is unknown whether or not the vandals were students. Matthew Cook/The Bulletin
On the morning of Aug. 29, students were welcomed to campus with messages of anarchism from possible protesters.
The messages were seen around town as well, including in front of the courthouse and Natasha’s Bar & Grill, 627 Commercial St. The on-campus messages touting phrases such as “Police State” “Protest Tuition Increases” and “One world is enough.”
If the “artists” behind the chalk graffiti were discovered to be students, Gwen Larson, assistant director of Media Relations, said the only action the university would take would be to inform them of the school’s policy regarding chalk on campus, since chalk is so easily removed and doesn’t leave a lasting mark.
According to the University Policy Manual, the policy for chalking and any other temporary placements is “restricted only for the promotion of campus events, student body elections, and academic activities.” A form must also be completed and turned in to the Director of Facilities, Mark Runge, prior to the placement of any sign.
Sgt. Kevin Risley of the Emporia Police Department said in an email interview that four cases were taken by the Emporia Police Department involving the chalkings. He said that two other incidents occurred but were washed away before a case could be taken.
For groups of 10 or more, there are three designated areas on campus where they can engage in free speech activities. The areas are the Union Square, the Phipps Sunken Garden and the open quad between Beach Music Hall, King Hall, Memorial Union and Roosevelt Hall.
Any group wishing to use these areas must notify the University’s Conference and Scheduling Office no later than 72 hours in advance, according to the University Policy Manual. Notification must include a designated contact name and information for the group, as well as the date, time and location of the event, a statement of the nature of the event, the amplification devices to be used and the estimated number of people at the event.
I feel like “defaced” is a strong verb to be used in this case. That would imply permanent damage. As noted in the article, chalk is temporary.
viva la revolucion!
Personally, I was rather interested in the graffiti (I saw it on my way to classes in the morning), and wished there was more of an explanation. It’s kind of fun to think there could be political radicals in Emporia. At other colleges, there’s always little spray paint symbols for bands or movements, etc., usually on sides of buildings or light poles. I think it adds a little college flair