Native American Paintings Could Be Removed From Key Capitol Spot

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — State officials may remove several paintings that some say depict Native Americans unfairly from a prominent spot in the Capitol.

That's the recommendation from a panel of lawmakers and experts examining the Capitol's massive artwork collection. The four paintings in question include a few images showing Native Americans in stereotypical clothing and another with a bare-chested woman.

Those paintings would be removed from the governor's reception room and placed elsewhere in the Capitol. It's a small but controversial piece of the ongoing renovation at the state Capitol. A committee of state officials overseeing the project discussed the possible removal Tuesday.

Gov. Mark Dayton says he supports their removal.

A final decision won't come until the fall. The Capitol is expected to re-open in early 2017.

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