HOUSTON (RNN) - The Houston Independent School District has removed a polarizing mural from a middle school.
The controversial quote was painted on a wall above a row of lockers at Gregory-Lincoln Education Center, a fine arts magnet school from kindergarten to eighth grade.
The quote said, "The more you act like a lady, the more he’ll act like a gentleman."
The school district told KTRK it took the mural down Saturday.
The quote is reportedly from Sidney Biddle Barrows, the so-called "Mayflower Madam," a New York City escort service owner. Barrows was arrested in the 1980s.
“It's perpetuating horrible gender stereotypes, shaming women, and relinquishing boys of all responsibility. It's sexist, misogynistic, and discriminatory," wrote Lisa Beckman, who first posted a picture of the mural on Thursday.
The mural had been on the school's wall for at least five years, the school district toldKRTK.
The post from Beckman received swift applause from many on social media, some using the #MeToo hashtag.
"As a domestic violence/ sexual assault advocate in the Houston area, I can’t thank you enough for calling attention to this. Know that we are working relentlessly to send a message of empowerment and strength to young ladies everywhere. Thank you for standing with us," said another Twitter user.
But others saw no harm in the mural.
"I agree with the quote," said one user.
"You know you live a privileged life when this is what 'horrifies' you," said another.
The first day of school for the school district is Aug. 27.
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