UW-Stout hides historical paintings of Native Americans; Cal Peters’ work deemed ‘harmful’

Historical paintings of Native Americans by artist Cal Peters will soon disappear from public view at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

“French Trappers on The Red Cedar” and “Perrault’s Trading Fort” were recently deemed inappropriate for public consumption at the university by a Diversity Leadership Team (DLT), and Chancellor Bob Meyer concurred. The paintings, which were commissioned in 1935, are said to “reinforce racial stereotypes.”

The decision relegates Mr. Peters’ work to storage for the upcoming school year.

Timothy Shiell, an English and philosophy professor at the UW-Stout, reached out to the education watchdog Campus Reform on Monday and said that he and others protested Mr. Meyer’s decision. 

“The end result and precedent set in this decision, in principle, is that every student who is offended by university artwork should organize a protest to have it removed so Stout can do a better job recruiting students who won’t be offended,” Dr. Shiell said.

The professor also spoke to the National Coalition Against Censorship on Aug. 3. He said that “shrouding or moving the painting does not educate anyone or stimulate any learning or dialogue. American history and representations of that history can be ugly and offensive. But hiding them doesn’t change the past or the future.”

The paintings in question were originally supposed to be restored by art students and displayed in the school’s Harvey Hall. The project had funding by the Wisconsin Historical Society.

UW-Stout History professor Kate Thomas countered Dr. Shiell’s opinion by saying the paintings “stand in the way” of creating an environment inclusive of diverse populations, Campus Reform reported.

Update: University of Wisconsin-Stout Chancellor Bob Meyer altered his decision on Monday. Campus Reform reported that Cal Peters’ artwork will not be put in storage. The paintings will, however, be moved to a less visible location.