On August 20, AyDeeTheGreat published a diary,"Clemson Student Exposes Historic Racism at University with Provocative Video." In it he detailed the historic connections the university has with slavery and racism and highlighted his campaign, "See the Stripes," an effort to bring into the open the university's history, of which he had been unaware until arriving on campus. The diary is, in a word, superb. Follow me below the not-so-solid-orange megaphone to see what the campus has planned for this coming academic year.
Clemson's College of Architecture, Arts, and the Humanities, through its Faculty Arts and Humanities Council, will host a series entitled "Race and the University: A Campus Conversation." The series--including presentations and exhibitions--is intended to give faculty, staff, and students opportunities to explore the university's troubling historical past as well as to understand the present:
The series’ purpose is to create greater awareness of and encourage open conversations about Clemson’s history as it relates to race and diversity. Although Clemson was the first all-white public college in the state to desegregate, it sits on a former plantation worked by slaves and many of its earliest buildings were built by convict laborers, the majority of whom were former slaves.
....
Richard Goodstein, dean of the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities, said, “I’m glad our faculty are initiating this important discussion about how Clemson’s history has influenced the present and how it can help improve our future. These discussions will provide a compelling opportunity for students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community to discuss and gain a broader understanding of race in today’s academy and society.”
Clemson is in good company in examining the issue:
“.... Clemson joins a worldwide discussion at higher education institutions, including Brown University, Harvard University, Emory University, Cambridge University and the University of Michigan, regarding issues of diversity, inclusion and identity.”
It's long past time for this conversation to take place, and I hope I have the chance to attend some of the presentations.