Is it art or vandalism?

That's the pesky question facing the city of Seattle. Although the city sanctioned a public mural project by young artists in the University District, some officials now say portions of it look too much like graffiti and that's unacceptable.

	Mike Urban / P-I
This section of the mural is part of the artwork that some city officials say is just graffiti and ought to be removed.

"If we allow it, it will encourage graffiti vandals," said Dave Chew, manager of structures, maintenance and operations for Seattle's Department of Transportation. "I don't have a problem if these people want to do their graffiti in art galleries. I don't want to see it on a wall that is owned by the city of Seattle. I don't have any flexibility when it comes to graffiti."

Mural organizer Jill Rothenberger, 24, said she understands that the city opposes vandals who scribble their signs or "tags" on public buildings.

"Vandalism is illegal, but how can a style be illegal?" she asked. "Graffiti is a style. It's the visual manifestation of hip-hop culture. Hip-hop is youth culture. Does the city really want to be against that?"

Update: Well, the city changed its mind and said the mural can stay as it is.