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Kent State University considering rock removal after 'vile, hurtful messages' discovered again

Officials are considering several options to rectify the ongoing issue.

PORTAGE COUNTY, Ohio — The painted rock on the front campus of Kent State University is the center of controversy, yet again. 

On Monday, the rock was found repainted with what the university is calling "vile, hurtful" messaging. The original painting reading "Hate has no home here," was found defaced in lime green paint with the the words " hate has" being crossed out and replaced with " Blacks have." 

In a press release late last month, the University issued a statement after offensive graffiti was initially found on the rock saying that type of behavior will not be tolerated and it will remain focused on social justice both on campus and in the community.  

According to students on campus, this is the third time in a span of two weeks that the rock has been repainted with a negative messages toward the Black community.

Kent State University issued a statement Monday, following the rock's repainting saying they're "appalled that some continue to use the Rock to convey vile, hurtful messages."  

Because it is an ongoing problem, the university is exploring several actions including fencing the rock, installing cameras or even removing the rock all together. 

In the statement, the university reiterated that it is committed to inclusion, respect and kindness. 

Read the full statement from KSU below: 

"We are appalled that some continue to use the Rock to convey vile, hurtful messages that are threatening to our Kent State community, specifically our Black community, and against our core values. Because of the repeated nature of these messages, we are investigating several potential actions, including fencing off the Rock, installing security cameras and even the Rock's removal. Now more than ever we commit to inclusion, respect and kindness as the most authentic expressions of who we are as a university and who we are as a family."

   

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