Plaque on Public University's Campus Identifying Abraham Lincoln as a 'Democrat' Ignites Controversy

A plaque on a public university in President Abraham Lincoln's home state of Illinois that incorrectly identifies the 16th president as a "Democrat" is stirring controversy, with at least one advocacy group calling for its removal.

"[N]ow is the time for removal and replacement," Charlie Kirk, founder and executive director of conservative advocacy group Turning Point USA, told website The College Fix.

The plaque was installed outside the Frank Lloyd Wright Building at Northeastern Illinois University in 1905, according to university officials.

“This building is dedicated to public service honoring the memory of Abraham Lincoln,” its inscription says. “Democrat.”

A plaque on Northeastern University's campus incorrectly identifies President Abraham Lincoln as a "Democrat." (Image source: @CampusReport)

However, university officials defended the text in a statement earlier this month, saying the Republican president was identified as a Democrat because he was an advocate for democracy.

"From time to time, the integrity of a plaque honoring the memory of Abraham Lincoln is questioned," the statement said.

"According to building archives, the word democrat was used because Lincoln was an advocate for democracy—the political or social equality of all people," it continued. "The word was not chosen to reflect a political affiliation."

That explanation, however, hasn't quelled concerns from Kirk who told Fox News he considers it "salacious miseducation."

“There are many different ways to go about it,” Kirk said. “We just want it replaced with one that’s historically accurate.”

A spokesperson for the university declined to say Tuesday if the school is considering replacing or removing the plaque.

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