The Nuclear Family Statue was slated to be moved to a new location late last year to make room for a new western-themed piece of art to celebrate ASUW’s 100th anniversary.
Over past two years, the Associated Students of the University of Wyoming’s Steamboat Statue has been the source of numerous discussions and controversy.
In February 2012, ASUW passed Senate Bill 2345, which allowed funding for the Steamboat Statue in Prexy’s Pasture to commemorate ASUW’s 100th year. The statue was originally going to replace the Nuclear Family statue that is located in Prexy’s Pasture in order to be in “a central location for the instillment of campus pride in the form of art,” according to the bill.
However, there has been controversy regarding the replacement of the Nuclear Family Statue as well as confusion about funding for the Steamboat Statue. The misunderstanding was mainly in regards to the funding set aside for this project. Originally, it was thought that $125,000 in student fees would fund the statue. However, the Steamboat Statue will be paid for through Faculty Endowments.
The location of the statue also seems to be a problem. Although the original plan was to have the Steamboat Statue located in Prexy’s, the location has been changed to the University of Wyoming Simpson Plaza. According to the ASUW statutes, “In order to preserve the natural and open beauty of that portion of the University of Wyoming campus commonly known and referred to as ‘Prexy’s Pasture,’ no structures, other than ornamental improvements, or building of any kind or type shall be located or constructed upon the portion of the campus.” Therefore, this means that no statue can be permanently placed in Prexy’s.
At the Steamboat Statue’s current stage, ASUW reached out to the Simpson family to see if the statue could go in their plaza. However, there was no response from the Simpson family to date. As a result, the Steamboat Statue project has been on hold and ASUW is looking for other ways to allocate ASUW funds. ASUW also is looking to put funds toward the Student Memorial Plaza in Prexy’s in place of the Steamboat Statue.
