A Letter to President Clements
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A Letter to President Clements

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A Letter to President Clements
Lynne Jenkins: Carolina Shots Photography and Fine Art

Dear President Clements,

I understand you have been faced with many hardships this year, at Clemson, and I believe you have handled these difficult circumstances extraordinarily well. I have agreed with many of your actions, but also disagreed with a few. When placed in numerous situations dealing with deaths of fellow Tigers, you helped bring the entire Clemson family together. Also, when the ‘Cripmas’ incident took place, you defused the situation respectfully, and as quickly as possible. Then again, when campus Greek life was in a time of distress, I understood your choice to suspend the fraternities in order to restore the core values of brotherhood.      

However, the recent debate over whether or not historic Tillman Hall should be renamed is absurd. Some people may disagree with what Benjamin Tillman stood for. Some people also disagree with the way that land was appropriated from Indian tribes in order to build Mount Rushmore. However, we as a country do not feel the need to destroy Mount Rushmore or rename it. We choose to keep the historical facts and monuments as is, because with that we learn from our mistakes. Changing historical figures is similar to trying to change the past, which simply cannot be done.   

Furthermore, Benjamin Tillman was a founder of this great, historic university. Had it not been for him, you might not have the honor of being president, and I might not have the privilege of being a student. I would ask that you take a minute to reflect on the situation. Would you like to go down in history as the president who changed the name of one of the most well-known buildings on campus?   

I would like to propose a suggestion. Instead of renaming an iconic building, I urge you to consider a more diverse name for the three new buildings being constructed on campus. I think that will show a stronger message that we, as a university, are working and growing together to prove our already established sense of equality.   

Sincerely, 

Tara Gianopulos

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