Denver student withdraws art from show after police criticism

DENVER -- Denver police unions complained when they saw that a student artwork in the school system's annual best-of-city show depicted an officer wearing a KKK hood and pointing a gun at a black child in a white hoodie, his hands up.

The art titled "Tale of Two Hoodies" was on display at the Denver Public Schools administration building but has since been removed, reports CBS Denver. In the background the Confederate flag is seen behind a ripped American flag.

A school official shared reaction with the teenager, and authorities say she immediately asked to take it down if it was causing trouble. That prompted a public debate about how to tackle tough topics amid national conversations about racism, violence and law enforcement.

The young artist and her mother met privately with the police chief and other top city officials Friday. Afterward, officials said the artist did not want to speak publicly and had not been pressured to withdraw her work.