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Issue 60, Volume 77
UNIVERSITY CENTER
The Chicano Mural, located in the Cougar Den, was created in 1973 by the Mexican-American Youth Organization and depicts the Chicano Movement of the 1960s. | Emily Chambers/The Daily Cougar
UH to preserve artwork Renovations will not result in the destruction of cultural mural, UC Arbor centerpiece Mohammed Haider
THE DAILY COUGAR A piece of history that has been serving as an overlooked backdrop for meetings in the Cougar Den will be preserved and relocated to a more prominent
location in the new University Center. Over the winter break, members of the Latino community were concerned with the fate of the nearly 40-year-old mural amidst the renovation of the UC. “The mural is historic and symbolizes the political awakening of the Chicano community,” a petition to save the mural said. “It was completed at a pivotal point in the history of this country, and it is a testament to this history.” Assistant Vice President for Student
Affairs Keith Kowalka has hired an art conservator who will preserve the artwork in the UC, including the Chicano Mural. The conservator will be in charge of adding touch-ups and cleaning the historical mural before submitting a written report to the University this month, Walker said. “We’re the University of Houston. We pride ourselves on diversity with our student body,” computer engineering technology senior Mujtuba Khan said. “It would be very insensitive for the school to
not give any importance to this piece of art and history,”. The Chicano Mural is not the only artwork the University plans to preserve. The statue in the UC Arbor will be moved to the outside perimeter of the building because the new space will be interior and climate controlled. “Just as with the mural, its move will be conducted by licensed art MURAL continues on page 12
What should be done with the Chicano Mural? Should the University preserve it?
“If the mural is significant to the Latino students, I think it would be worth the time to preserve it.” Celeste Poorte Biology Graduate Student
“Personally, I’m not too attached to it. If it comes between the renovation, I don’t want it to get in the way of making the school better.”
“If it’s significant to the community, it should stay there. They definitely need to find someway to preserve it.” Daniel Perez Marketing Sophomore
“It really should be preserved. I think they should put it somewhere where people can see it because nobody really comes down here (the Cougar Den).”
Josue Garcia
Conner Clifton
Media Production Senior
Political Science Junior
What do you think? Let us know by commenting at thedailycougar.com.
“I think the mural adds a lot of character to the school. Throwing it away would be a crime.” Atif Haider Accounting Senior
Compiled by Mohammed Haider