UD students react to American flag artwork

DAYTON, Ohio (WRGT) -- Students at the University of Dayton are asking administrators to take down a controversial student art exhibit that depicts a burned American flag.

The caption reads, 'We will move forward," and was only recently put up in Fitz Hall on campus, but has already sparked a heated debate with students and administration.

The university has not said if they plan to take it down, but they did say in a statement that they value free speech in all forms.

"I've never been this upset in my entire life," said student Ellie Wood.

"It's almost embarrassing to me," said student Bobby Berry.

Students told FOX 45 they started seeing pictures of the display in their social media feeds on Tuesday night.

The student-made art display is an American flag that's painted to look burned, with politically charged pictures placed next to it.

"Anything that gets hung up around campus gets administration approval," said Wood. "It wasn't like it was just thrown up there, people knew about it."

Wood said it personally upset her because she has family members in the military.

She called FOX 45 hoping to get student voices heard on the topic.

"I'm actually a first-generation American citizen. Both my parents are from Ireland," said sophomore Hannah Kane, who also is upset about the display.

"It breaks my heart to see people who have had this privilege their entire life take advantage of it and disrespect it so much, because of what it means to people around the world, they want to be American," she continued.

Kane said she does not want to go see the display in person because it goes against what her dad worked for her family.

"He fought so hard for my brothers and sisters and I to be able to go to schools like this and have a bright future ahead of us," she said. "And that's what this country gives us, it's the American dream."

Since the artwork was originally displayed students have posted notes and signs with their opinions, and an unscathed American flag has been posted next to the display.

"This isn't a liberal or conservative topic, it’s an American topic," said student Meghan Ivan.

"I personally don't think that the university should take a stance in politics," said Berry.

"This is not the university I came to. We are a community-oriented Marianist university," said Wood.

Tonight, the university released a statement that reads:

"The University is aware of a student art exhibit at the University that includes a display of a modified American flag.

The American flag is a powerful symbol, which is why artists often use it to elicit strong reactions.

Although we understand that some will disagree with or be offended by an art installation involving the flag, courts have long held that, when the flag is used to convey an idea, such usage is protected by the exercise of free speech, a principle essential to American democracy and civic life.

One of our country's most cherished freedoms is that right to free speech, which has special value in artistic contexts.

The flag is painted at the bottom to suggest it has been scorched and a sign is also attached that says, "We will move forward.”

This installation invites the free expression of strong opinions – including disagreement with the artist’s use of the flag in this way.

Viewers have taken the opportunity to write about their reactions to the exhibit in the large space immediately adjacent to the flag.

All voices are invited and are able to express their views freely, and the statements posted on the wall reflect a wide range of reactions and opinions.

Further, an academic forum is being planned so contrasting perspectives on this artwork and such free speech can be discussed in a civil and educationally appropriate manner.

We will continue to emphasize civility and respect, whenever possible placing these dialogues in an educational context.

As a university dedicated to the power of ideas and personal growth, these difficult issues provide real opportunities for all of us to grow and develop.

The University has deep respect for our country and all that makes our democracy great.

We respect all that the flag represents, we honor the men and women who have defended and safeguarded our freedoms, and we value our students who have made the commitment to serve."

"If I wasn't afraid of what the disciplinary action would be I would have gone and taken it down myself," said Kane.