According to a University of Pittsburgh policy, "Public works of art and other exhibits representing creative efforts, as well as posters, and other visual materials, that are displayed in public areas of the University should, over time, represent all constituencies of this institution by including works by or about the many racial, ethnic and cultural groups that make up the University community for the purpose of documenting the history and celebrating the wealth of diversity" at the school. Provost Donald Henderson asked university deans and directors to take an inventory of artwork under their control, intended to help diversify collections.

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