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School Removal of Obama Mural on Election Day Sparks Outcry

by Associated Press

   WINDSOR, CONN. --

   A Connecticut school superintendent has apologized to parents who are
   upset after a mural that featured a silhouette of President Barack
   Obama was removed from an elementary school on Election Day.

   Windsor Public Schools Superintendent Craig Cooke said Tuesday the
   mural at Oliver Ellsworth School was painted over to make way for
   something that would showcase student work.
   He says it was done Nov. 8, when the school was closed, so students and
   staff wouldn't inhale harmful odors in the paint.
   The 2009 mural featured student signatures and other historical events
   of that time.
   Cooke says the timing for replacing the mural "couldn't have been
   worse'' and apologized for the "mistake.''
   Cooke told parents at a meeting Tuesday that district officials will
   work to replace the mural.