FILE – In this May 22, 2018 file photo, the spire of the Baker-Berry Library stands above The Green at Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H. The school announced Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019, its new unified policy on sexual misconduct for faculty, students and staff will provide clarity and consistency across its campus. The new policy takes effect on Sept. 1. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)
Students and alumni are asking Dartmouth College to take down a campus weather vane that critics say includes a racist depiction of a Native American.
The copper weather vane, which sits atop the school's main library, depicts college founder Eleazar Wheelock sitting before a Native American who is smoking a long pipe.
Behind Wheelock is a pine tree and a barrel that some believe represents a keg of rum. The Valley News reports that a Native American student group at Dartmouth called the fixture racist and demeaning, saying it's a "patronizing and stereotypical depiction of Native peoples."
Dartmouth spokeswoman Diana Lawrence told The Valley News that officials understand and respect the community's position and "will determine what is the most appropriate action."
