The media surrounding this has been fantastic but I wanted to take a minute to clarify and respond to things I've read in articles. When I started this online petition I was unsure of what if anything would or could come from it. I was not certain that there would be enough support behind it and I was not prepared for the response it got. I wanted to take a minute to respond to some of the things I've read in regards to the petition. First, to quote Ryan Piurek IU's assistant Vice President for public affairs and presidential communications from the article in the Indianapolis Star in regards to my petition: "We realize that some students may feel uncomfortable by the depiction in the murals and that this might affect their ability to study and focus," he said. "Additionally, we recognize that in the wake of the recent ugly and tragic events in Charlottesville, Va., students may be experiencing feelings of anger, upset, hurt, anxiety, discrimination and even fear." My response is this, a university cannot say that they strive for an inclusive environment and a learning environment that supports everyone while also acknowledging that the mural can have a negative impact on students that can effect their ability to focus and learn. The mixed signals that sends basically sounds like this: Yes, we as an educational institution realize this art piece might distract or offend you but it's more important to have it so we can represent the history of Indiana even if it makes you uncomfortable by depicting a hate group who hates you as a person because of the color of your skin, religious background, or sexual orientation. We are inclusive and we don't hold those same values as the KKK but we will force you to take a class in a room with it on the wall. To James Wimbush, vice president for diversity, equity and multicultural affairs, who said the panel does not violate the university's diversity statement but does offer a teachable moment. While we agree that it does provide a teachable moment (as implied in my petition) what is the University doing to ensure a teachable moment is occurring? I also do not understand how you can think it doesn't violate the very the diversity statement. Just as a reminder a portion of the statement is below: This commitment to diversity extends beyond a set of ideas or nondiscrimination policies; we actively strive to promote diversity, expand access, create a safe and supportive environment, and foster a community that embraces and celebrates all groups. How can you say an environment that is safe and supportive of everyone exists when you have Ryan Piurek saying that the university recognizes that it can be upsetting for students and distracting from their learning? Is that your idea of safe and supportive? IU can "stand in solidarity with citizens and groups across our nation who oppose a supremacist ideology of bigotry, hatred, violence, intimidation and assault on our liberties."  All they want but standing in solidarity and doing something about what could be seen as a symbol of hate are not the same things. Not to mention the presence of these murals are not a welcoming classroom environment for everyone. The fact that every so often this same argument keeps coming up and will continue to do so unless it's relocated or something different happens. The diversity statement also says "IU also stands in solidarity with citizens and groups across our nation who oppose a supremacist ideology of bigotry, hatred, violence, intimidation and assault on our liberties." Standing in solidarity and acting in solidarity are not the same thing Also, for the critics that say I am asking for the censorship of art. Censorship to me means that I am asking for the art to be destroyed or hidden away which I am not. I am seeking to have an image relocated from a classroom to a more appropriate museum setting where it will not take away or distract from anyone's teaching or learning experience. For those making the sole argument that it depicts a time in Indiana's history and should be treated more like a historical document let's not ignore that in February of 2017 (which is this year) white supremacist flyers were found on the doors. Indiana is still fighting against white supremacy and the values of the KKK. Yes the intention of the artist is to celebrate a time of defeat against the Klan when they were running the state of Indiana. While I do think this was a major success the values of the Klan aren't abolished in the state. I do think it is important to not shy away from the Klan's past and present in Indiana and I do not think historical facts should ever be ignored or pushed away no matter how disgraceful. Whether anyone likes it or not these values have been seen this calendar year on IU's campus. Charlottesville was a completely separate and tragic event and they did not even have any murals of the KKK yet students still felt empowered enough to participate in violent acts. If IU is "strongly committed to a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all of our students and people of all background" then the university should understand the importance of relocation. While the intention of the mural is to depict a time and record history it's presence could be misinterpreted even if that isn't what the university intends or stands for and to not see that is ignorant and irresponsible. Again, the mural has a place but the classroom is not it and we must continue the fight and quest to have it relocated.