TO THE EDITOR:
It has come to our attention that local pro-Confederate groups are planning to rally on our campus this Sunday around the Silent Sam statue.
We feel the need to let the student body and community know of this prospective rally in an effort to keep you all informed and to help ensure that no student is caught off guard by the surge in activity surrounding the statue.
As much as we respect and uphold the right of all students and outside speakers to freely express their views on this campus, we must be mindful that malicious words and actions can cause serious harm to others.
It is our priority to make sure every student feels and is safe on our campus. If you encounter these protests on campus this weekend, we ask that you respect their fundamental right to express their beliefs and encourage you to exercise yours. But do so peacefully, embracing the motto of our University: Lux Libertas.
Throughout our administration, we have stood by students and the circumstances of this weekend are no different. We will continue on in our focus toward building a safe and inclusive community for all students.
Houston Summers
Student Body President
