Dear The University of Virginia Community,

The Cabell Hall Mural, painted by Lincoln Perry and called "The Student's Progress" portrays women problematically within the context of UVA's rape culture. Although the university is aware of the toxic message portrayed by this mural, nothing has been done to remove this work from Old Cabell, nor has anything been done to cover this area of the mural. "The Student's Progress" is very closely tied to the university, and is based off of the university community. This work portrays both UVA faculty and students in such a way that is exclusionary, offensive and misogynistic. As members of the community, it is important that we fight to remove this piece. 

The following is an excerpt from Professor Bonnie Gordon, a vocal advocate in support of removing the mural from Old Cabell Hall:

“A very expensive mural called “The Student’s Progress” covers the entire foyer and stairwell of Old Cabell Hall, which is also the University’s premier auditorium and the favored space for visiting dignitaries. The mural depicts, among other scenes of daily life at the University of Virginia, a male faculty member standing on a porch and tossing a mostly naked student her bra as his beleaguered wife comes up the stairs. My students and I have pointed out that wildly inappropriate section of the mural to faculty, administrators, students, parents, and donors, but so far, no one has been particularly horrified. The mural is proudly displayed and is prominently featured on UVA tours.”

Please consider signing the petition and sharing this link with fellow Hoos. Awareness is the first step to enacting real change.