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‘There’s still a lot of work to be done:’ Community reflects on covered Columbus murals, Native heritage at ND

Adriana Perez | Monday, October 12, 2020

Inside the Main Building, native flora and fauna — vines, rabbits, mice, flowers, turtles and trees — decorate fabric that resembles thick, colorful tapestries. While these coverings are new, the paintings that lie underneath are almost as old as the University itself. The controversy over the Columbus Murals, painted by Luigi Gregori in the early

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Over 1,000 students gather outside Main Building to protest new Residential Life policies

Thomas Murphy | Monday, April 15, 2019

In an email sent to the student body early Thursday morning, the Office of Residential Life and the Division of Student Affairs announced changes in residential policies as a means of improving the dorm experience for students now required to stay on campus for six semesters and to incentivize seniors to stay on campus for their

News

Speaker argues in favor of leaving Columbus Murals uncovered

Thomas Murphy | Friday, February 22, 2019

The Notre Dame chapter of Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) hosted conservative political commentator Michael Knowles for a lecture titled “Columbus: Hero not Heathen” on Thursday night in the ballroom of LaFortune Student Center. The lecture was part of YAF’s Robert and Patricia Herbold Lecture Series. The lecture came several weeks after the announcement by

News

Sticker from right-wing organization placed outside of Main Building

Observer Staff Report | Friday, February 1, 2019

A sticker featuring the words “Stand Your Ground” and the image of an individual wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat was found placed on a lamp post in front of the Main Building this week. The sticker appears to be from the organization Hundred-Handers, a right-wing political group that operates through social media. The

News

Sprinkler breaks in Main Building

Observer Staff Report | Friday, February 1, 2019

At 12:30 p.m. on Friday, a sprinkler head broke on the first floor of Main Building near the elevators, according to a statement made by University spokesman Dennis Brown. Brown said the first floor North lobby area, including the elevators, will be closed for the remainder of the day but will reopen Saturday. “The remainder

News

Campus groups react to decision to cover Columbus murals

Mary Steurer and Lauren Bakke | Thursday, January 24, 2019

Campus organizations have let their voice be heard after University President Fr. John Jenkins announced his decision on Sunday to cover controversial murals depicting the life of Christopher Columbus in the Main Building. The Native American Student Association of Notre Dame (NASA-ND) was quick to give its support. The group, which has in the past

Viewpoint

Condemning exploitation

Letter to the Editor | Monday, January 21, 2019

Fr. Jenkins released a letter to campus on Sunday regarding the Columbus Murals in the Main Building. I have no comments to share regarding Columbus, Native American history or the murals themselves: I will leave that to others who have more developed and informed positions on the topics. I do, however, want to join the President’s sentiment in condemning exploitation

News

Student senate supports removal of Columbus murals in Main Building

Mary Bernard | Thursday, March 1, 2018

Senators voted to support a removal of Luigi Gregori’s Christopher Columbus murals from the Main Building during student senate Wednesday. The resolution passed with 28 senators in support, 3 in opposition and 2 abstentions. Senate took the vote with a paper ballot, as requested by multiple senators. The president and vice president of the Native

News

Prayer service celebrates life of Martin Luther King Jr.

Natalie Weber | Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Bundled in coats and scarves with candles in hand, members of the Notre Dame community crowded into the Main Buidling to commemorate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. at a prayer service Monday evening. University President Fr. John Jenkins opened the ceremony with a prayer, calling for the Notre Dame community to be more

News

Student group, professor discuss Gregori Murals

Natalie Weber | Thursday, November 30, 2017

The Native American Student Association of Notre Dame (NASAND) hosted a town hall Tuesday to discuss the representation of Native Americans in Luigi Gregori’s murals depicting the life of Christopher Columbus located in the Main Building. NASAND vice president, senior Armani Vaniko Porter, and professor of art history Michael Schreffler reflected on the significance of