The Naval Academy is starting to gear up for the annual Army-Navy game, which will take place at West Point this year, but one tradition has already been modified.
This fall midshipmen will not paint the statue of Tecumseh, said Cmdr. Alana Garas, spokesperson for the Naval Academy. Instead, midshipmen painted panels that are mounted under the cannons at Tecumseh Court’s entrance.
The decision to suspend the painting this semester came after input from faculty, staff and alumni, in addition to the Brigade of Midshipmen, Garas said.
“During the pause we are listening to those who consider the practice of painting Tecumseh inappropriate and offensive, as well as those who view it as a time-honored tradition,” she said in an email.