by Hailey Bryant | Oct 23, 2012 | News Slider
It was a bison painted differently than most students had ever seen. Decked out in full-on rainbow colors with an equal symbol on the base, the Lipscomb bison statue became a four-legged, thick-maned symbol of equality. Desiring to show their support for “National Coming Out Day” on Oct. 11, Lipscomb students Jeremiah DeVore and Seth Lykins transformed the bison into an image of colorful celebration and support. The bison usually is awash in different colors and phrases to promote school events, so the rainbow-fashioned political statement had many students asking questions and expressing support. “We did it to show support for members of the Lipscomb community who may feel uncomfortable with showing that part of themselves,” said DeVore, by way of simple explanation. While he knew the paint job had the potential to cause controversy, he said in no way did he intend the message to be anything but positive, and he “did not intend any disrespect for the university.” Seth Lykins was quick to jump on board with DeVore’s idea of painting the bison. “We wanted to use the symbol of Lipscomb to celebrate the day. It was merely our way of expressing positivity and support for everyone,” he said. Lykins said that he heard of only positive reactions and “the Facebook picture got a lot of likes,” he said. Students in general seemed to agree with the sentiment. “The bison is a forum for students to express themselves,” said sophomore Neely Baugh. “As long as what is painted doesn’t degrade others, the school should allow students to express their messages.” Like all Lipscomb bison paintings, eventually this one...
