Vandal destroys art

By: James Jenkins

Staff Writer

A controversial Constitution Day art installation was dismantled following student protest, but was returned by the order of the college president.

Thomas A. McMillen-Oakley, Assistant Professor of Studio Art, along with his students cut out eight figures and placed them near a banner that read “Happy Constitution Day From Guantanamo Bay.” Set up at 7:30 a.m., the figures looked as if they were prisoners in Guantanamo Bay, complete with bags covering their faces and hands tied behind their backs.

“I spoke with my boss, Dean Ann Green, and she gave approval last week, seeing as protest, or pro-freedom of speech issues are encouraged on Constitution Day and on college campuses in general. She told me to make sure that we did not go into the construction site during installation, which we honored,” McMillen-Oakley said.

However, Jeff Whipple, head of JCC facility security gave the order to have the art work removed.

 “It was all just miscommunication about what was going on,” said Ann Green; Dean of Arts and science.  “They [security] felt that because of the placement behind the construction fence it would be a danger and hazard to students.”

After the piece was removed, McMillen-Oakley contacted Whipple.

“It wasn’t until about 11 (am) that we talked and figured out what had taken place,” said McMillen-Oakley.

According to McMillen-Oakley; Whipple told him the piece was removed because “it offended a veteran, several students complained, the construction site was entered, and it was a distraction to the construction workers.”

After some discussion, JCC President Dan Phelan directed that the art work be put up again.

McMillen-Oakley spoke with several of the students and they felt that “since the piece was removed, it be left down, as it would not be put back as we intended,” McMillen Oakley said.

McMillen-Oakley discussed this with Dean Ann Green, and JCC Vice President Bill Strohaver. The piece was re-installed anyway. When asked how did it look McMillen-Oakley replied “It actually looked pretty bad.”

All was peaceful again, at least until around 5 p.m. It was at that time a student was allegedly seen ripping down the piece and vandalizing the re-installed installation. “We are not sure if the individual is a student or not.” said Green.

McMillen-Oakley said he believed the college was no longer investigating the incident.

 “I talked to (Jeff) Whipple about the incident, they are done with the investigation. They said they were unable to get a clear view of the vandal with the security cameras,” he said.

However, others in the administration feel the vandals should be punished.

 “What they did was a crime. This school does not and will not censor free speech. Everyone has a right to their opinion and that is what we are about here at JCC,” said Green.

Shortly after the incident, a banner was up near the site where the art was displayed, that read, “True Americans Support the Troops.”

McMillen-Oakley’s response to this: “Apparently, our message of basic human rights and the misuse of the Constitution to these prisoners was lost and the anti-soldier, anti American rhetoric comes out. Even the Citizen Patriot, in their initial article stated that we were creating a piece about the terrorist in Guantanamo Bay. Have these people had a trial? No!”

As of this reporting this reporter had yet not spoken with Mr. Jeff Whipple. 

Sept. 18 was Constitution Day at JCC. Exactly 219 years and one day prior, the U.S. Constitution was signed. “As of last year, all schools receiving federal funding are required to give a lesson on the Constitution during Constitution Week,” said Greg Pearson a second year student at JCC. Pearson, like many students at JCC attended the Constitutional festivities. The Statue of Liberty herself even made a personal appearance. Actually it was Kristen Crumble, a student at JCC who came dressed as the Statue of Liberty. She was all smiles as she held her torch high and greeted every person. “Are you registered to vote?” said Crumble to all who approached.