A graffitied picture and a message reading “Taxation is Theft” were painted on multiple blank wall spaces in the tunnels between Fawcett Hall and the Medical Sciences building last week. The unwarranted design was discovered March 27 by Physical Plant staff, who permanently painted over the design Tuesday, April 2, according to Director of Physical Plant Jeff Trick.
There are no leads on the culprit of the alleged vandalism, according to an incident report from Wright State Police.
The design portrayed a man with a hat (similar to that of a police officer) pointing a gun at a person on their knees with their hands above their heads. The man with the gun also had a speech bubble with a dollar sign written in it.
Though this was the first Physical Plant had seen of the design, it is a readily accessible symbol online.
“Taxation is Theft” is a Facebook page that hosts the identical design and message as those painted in the tunnels. The page has 34,167 likes, and its “about” section reads: “The fact that your neighbors have voted in a law that says you owe taxes does not mean that you do, because others have no right to take your property without your consent.”
The design has also been spotted in other local areas, according to Student Government Secretary of the House JB Saul.
The image is currently painted on a bridge on a state Route 844 overpass, visible from Kauffman Rd., according to Saul. He said that the design looked as if it were the same size as those painted at WSU.
The design was also painted into a parking spot at the Meijer next to Wright State, according to Student Government Vice President Matt Harmon.
Saul said that Student Government would probably not be taking any immediate action, though they were upset by the incident.
“I don’t think there’s anything we can do about it,” Saul said.
Trick said that the paintings caused Physical Plant unneeded concern and labor.
“It’s just sad,” Trick said. “It takes man hours and money to rectify that.”
