Calls to reinstate Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette as Newfields CEO at “Klufields” protest

Protesters chant slogans at passing cars at 38th St. and MLK outside museum

The abrupt and unexplained departure of Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette as president and CEO of Newfields, after only 15 months in the position, prompted roughly 50 Indianapolis residents to protest in front of the museum on Sunday, November 19. The protest took place as patrons were arriving for the first night of the annual Winterlights outdoor walking experience. Protesters carried signs reading “Winter Lights Too White” and “Racists off our city’s boards.” They chanted “Hey hey, ho, ho, tell us why you made her go” among other slogans— aimed at the Newfields Board of Trustees — in front of the Newfields sign at the intersection of 38th Street and MLK.

Community activist Wildstyle Paschall and the other speakers that evening demanded the reinstatement of Dr. Burnette.

During his speech, Paschall alluded to the resignation of the CEO of Newfields prior to Burnette, Charles Venable, in February, 2021, implying that the museum had not changed its ways since then.

“Newfields might have said that they wanted to cater to their ‘core white art audience’” but they are a nonprofit,” he said. They are supposed to be benefitting the community.”

Venable had, in February 2021, published a job posting calling for a museum director who would maintain its “core white art audience,” a phrase that many saw as racist. In the resulting uproar over the use of the phrase, he was forced to resign.

Burnette, who is African American, brought “a level of trust” that engaged community members, Paschall said. He praised her for initiating “bold, honest conversations.” He also mentioned the revamp of the American galleries under her watch as being bold and provocative.

The Facebook event page for the protest was certainly provocative, calling the protest “Lights out at Klufields” which suggests a comparison with the Ku Klux Klan. The flyer was prepared by the newly-formed Indy Liberation Center.

“Newfields might have said that they wanted to cater to their core white art audience. But they are a nonprofit,” he said to the crowd of protesters. “They're supposed to be benefiting the community and so we have a right to be here. We have a right to stand up for Dr. Burnette.”

He also described how the new interim CEO, Michael Kubacki, appointed after Burnette’s departure. is problematic, as he is the executive chairman of Lake City Bank. “He's on the bank board with the President of the Board of Newfields,” Paschall said, describing this as a conflict of interest.

“But the main thing that we need from the Newfields board is transparency and understanding HR decisions are not able to be discussed,” he continued. “But when you have three board members resign and the press cannot even get you to confirm that these are not your board members anymore, then that is deception.”

Later the protesters marched down from 38th and MLK to the main entrance to the Newfields campus on 38th street as the sky grew darker, and for a few minutes they succeeded in blocking traffic. Drivers began to honk before the police moved in. No one was arrested.

(This article is unfinished as the author needs sleep before a 6 a.m. flight on Nov. 20. It will be updated in subsequent days. Don’t hesitate to reach out to him with feedback:)

Panoramic image of protest outside Newfields