A maintenance worker scrubs graffiti from a sidewalk at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. The marking reads “No administration without representation.”
By J. PATRICK PEPPER
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN — Several anti-administration phrases were spray painted last week on the campus of the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
University officials discovered the graffiti in the morning March 8 and believe it was left sometime the previous night. The markings were found on the University Center and the College of Arts, Science and Letters, as well as the sidewalk that runs behind the two buildings.
There were nine tags in all, some of which included “No tuition increases,” “Students Unite!,” “Revolt,” and “Silent no more.”
The paint was removed the same day it was discovered.
UM-D spokesman Ken Kettenbeil said the incident is under investigation and is believed to be an isolated event perpetrated by an individual or small group, although there currently are no suspects. He added that the sentiments expressed are not representative of the larger student body.
“I know there were a lot of students (who) were upset about it,” Kettenbeil said of the graffiti. “They take a lot of pride in the campus, and they sort of felt it was an inappropriate thing to do.”
Meanwhile, a campus reformist group denied responsibility for the vandalism. One of the movement’s leaders, Jeremy White, said he hasn’t been contacted by anyone claiming to be responsible and called the phrases unsubstantial and “pointless.” But on the group’s Facebook page, UMD Underground, the lines of communication were left open for whoever created the graffiti.
“Based on the state of campus today, it appears students have something to say. We’re listening …” the post read.