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Kansas Senate honors artist Michael Young; senators debate imagery in Brown v. Board mural
Summary
The Kansas Senate adopted Senate Resolution 1711 honoring artist Michael Young for the Brown v. Board mural after a brief floor exchange in which some senators criticized imagery in the mural and others said the work prompts useful public conversation.
The Kansas Senate on Feb. 27, 2025, adopted Senate Resolution 1711 honoring Michael Young for his work on the Brown v. Board of Education mural at the State Capitol, following a short debate over the mural’s imagery.
The resolution, introduced by senators Klempe, Alley and others, recognizes Young as “the visionary behind the remarkable Brown v Board of Education mural” and honors his contribution to the state. Senator Mettenworth moved to suspend the rules and adopt the resolution as an emergency measure; the motion carried by voice vote.
Supporters said the mural is a significant piece of public art that sparks conversation about Kansas and national civil-rights history. “When I think about artwork, it has the potential to be controversial, [to] take a snapshot in time, to tell a story that creates a conversation,” Senator Mettenworth said on the floor, and noted that the event honoring Young would include remarks and an oral-history component.
At least one senator objected to specific imagery in the mural. “This particular mural does have a portrayal of a racist figure wearing an NRA shirt, or at least it says NRA on his shirt,” said Senator Clays, who said that depiction was historically inaccurate and “deeply offensive.” Clays argued the portrayal unfairly tarnishes NRA members and accused the artist of inserting a political agenda into the work.
Senator Klimp responded that art that raises controversy can still be valuable. “It creates a conversation,” Klimp said, adding that the mural and the event would offer an educational moment for the public.
The resolution was adopted; the senator who moved the emergency declaration said the artist and others would speak at an event the following day.
The exchange on the chamber floor was brief. Senators indicated the event honoring Young would include further discussion with the artist about character choices and historical context.
No formal amendments to the resolution were offered on the floor, and the resolution was adopted by voice vote.
