To the editor:

I am a born and bred Kansan, currently living in New York City. I am also an artist. To me, being a Kansan means we are people that have an insane work ethic; we love thy neighbor; and we are civil servants to our communities. These Kansas ideals have served me well throughout life.

In the recent censorship attacks by the governing bodies (and governing hopefuls) of Kansas on KU’s Spencer Museum of Art and the art exhibition the “Pledges of Allegiance,” specifically Jospehine Meckseper’s flag, I am compelled as an artist and a Kansan to speak out in support of the Spencer to keep this art exhibition on display. Because that is what this is: an art exhibition. It’s the very essence of our right to freedom of speech.

This piece by Meckseper recalls part of an earlier work of hers titled “Goodbye to Language.” I believe Meckseper feared for this exact moment, where our differences have created such a split we can no longer rely on our language — our right to freedom of speech — to bring us together. Meckseper states, “It’s about time for our differences to unite us rather than divide us.”

It is an opinion and a right to be offended by this artwork — but I have hope most of us still believe in Kansas and therefore American values, granting us the very right to voice these opinions. Please support our neighbor, the Spencer, and do not let Kansas say Goodbye to Language.

Leah Tacha Kenealy,

New York City