Your Comments: Readers Sound Off On Montclair State's $210,000 Statue

Montclair Patch readers and locals on the web had a lot to say about Montclair State University’s decision to erect a $210,000 bronze statue of the red hawk mascot on campus.

The cost of the 12-foot statue could have paid for a year’s tuition for 18 in-state students, who pay tuition costs of more than $11,000 each year. The statue was paid for, in part, with $4,000 in donations and $100,000 from the Student Government Association’s budget, according to The Alternative Press. The SGA’s donation was then matched by the University’s Capital Plan funds.

Several students started a petition to express their opposition to the statue. School officials told the Associate Press that the statue will inspire students, build community, and generate support for the school’s athletics.

Many students, local residents, and alumni have spoken out against the project, stating that the funds should have been allocated for campus improvements, better parking, and updated technology. Here’s what Patch readers and posters around the web are saying about the project.

What Readers Are Saying

“A waste of money when so many students are paying top dollars to attend MSU.” - Patch User Ruth Frankel

“It is not outrageous; $210,000 is not such a big deal and WE in this nation being as we are, we like NEW we like SPARKLY; We are all into APPEALING IMPRESSIONS and we certainly are into what’s trending. If other colleges and universities have “outrageous monuments of their mascots” then Montclair State Teachers College (as I prefer to refer to it) should have one as well.” - Patch User emiliac

“This would be funny if it wasn’t so outrageous. MSU has had parking problems for many years. I can certainly agree the money could be used to help alleviate the eternal parking issues or to help disadvantaged students. What were they thinking? A statue could be built by interested art students going through a contest or some other process--where an artist or artists are chosen to fabricate something other students would want to see. How was this project arrived at? Hasn’t the college spent enough on building and other projects in recent years?” - Patch User “Alumnus”

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