Iowa State University Police received a report late Friday that the George Washington Carver statue outside Carver Hall had been vandalized with what appeared to be shaving cream. This statue is a tribute to Iowa State's first African-American student in 1891 who then went on to become a world-renowned agriculturalist. The vandalism is believed to have occurred Friday sometime between 1 p.m and 4 p.m. While the motive is not yet known, the university takes this act of vandalism very seriously and is conducting a thorough investigation to determine if this was racially motivated. Anyone involved will be held accountable. In addition, I would like to thank the person who reported the incident to police, provided photos to aid the investigation, and cleaned off the statue. University Museums has examined the statue and will further assess its condition when the weather improves. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact ISU Police at 515-294-4428.
--Steven Leath
President, Iowa State University