Perhaps not so much "the University," as someone "within" the University. A VP? A faculty member? Someone who felt as though they needed to appease someone?
In fact, it appears the original is already gone and a small copy was put in its place.
That link leads me to believe that the Jesus in the painting might not have been an intentional depiction of George Floyd. If that's the case, no harm, no foul. It's the idea of depicting a criminal as the founder of one's religion that sets its followers off. It would be akin to a painting showing Mary cradling one of the thieves who were crucified next to Jesus rather than Jesus. Or Herod. Actually, there is some scriptural backing that might apply--as long as the idea wasn't to depict the man (if we're talking about George Floyd) as Jesus.(RNS) — A painting of Jesus and his mother, Mary, in which Jesus is seen by many to be painted in the likeness of George Floyd in response to his agonizing death, was stolen from Catholic University of America Columbus Law School this week after a spate of conservative media attention and death threats directed at the artist.
And they are set off. An online petition started by a student to remove the painting now has 4,175 signatures. So, even the small copy will soon be gone, I'm guessing. But, let's keep it in perspective, they're not raiding newspaper offices and cutting off heads. But, the artist has received death threats, and that's unacceptable.
The artist, a St. Louis woman, actually paints iconography, and some is quite good, as you can see here. That specific painting, titled "Mama," was originally placed in an Episcopal Church so I'm not sure why they moved it--likely some of the issues that are happening at the University.
At the end of the day, it all really depends on the artist's intent and the intent of those who agreed to hang it.
""A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul" ~George Bernard Shaw
Kelly Latimer is not an old school iconographer. His work is influenced by his politics. It doesn't bother me, but he has many critics.
Kelly Latimore: Iconographer of a New Imago Dei - The Episcopal New Yorker
In quoting my post, you affirm and agree that you have not been goaded, provoked, emotionally manipulated or otherwise coerced into responding.
"The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world’s problems.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Dr. Who (11-29-2021)