Cornell University Prof. says Lincoln bust, Gettysburg address plaque were removed from library

A professor at Cornell University says a bust of President Abraham Lincoln and a bronze plaque of the Gettysburg Address have been removed from the school’s library after the University received complaints.

“Someone complained, and it was gone,” Cornell biology professor Randy Wayne told the College Fix.

Wayne said that the plague and bust, both of which had been on display in the University’s library since 2013, had gone missing several weeks ago, but he was unable to find out what happened to them. After asking the librarians about it Wayne said he was told the display was removed after some type of complaint, but was not given any other details, according to the New York Post.

The professor reportedly emailed Cornell University President Martha Pollack last Thursday, saying: “I am wondering if you are aware that the bust of Abraham Lincoln purchased by Ezra Cornell and the bronze plaque of the Gettysburg Address that was beside it has been removed from the RMC in Kroch Library and replaced with nothing. If you are aware, can you tell me why? Thanks.”

A staffer from Pollack’s office responded to his email on Tuesday, saying, “President Pollack isn’t typically made aware of changes with exhibitions in the library, which I believe are decided upon by library staff.”

Rebecca Valli, director of media relations at Cornell University, told Breitbart News that the Lincoln bust “was part of a temporary exhibit,” which was “on display in the Rare and Manuscript Collections from 2013 to 2021.”

Wayne praised the Gettysburg Address as “an incredible speech,” adding: “We have a handwritten copy in Lincoln’s hand. It is known as the Bancroft Copy. It comes with an envelope signed by Lincoln (using his franking privilege), and a letter to Bancroft, thanking him for requesting a copy of the address to put in a book to be sold for charity.”

“I show these documents to my class, as well as the heavy iron manacles worn by slaves,” he said. “Yes, we have a Lincoln legacy that has been inspirational to me and my students. To take his words (and bust) out of the hallway says something about our love of liberty.”