Clemson University was built on the plantation of former Vice President Calhoun. Known for defending slavery and possessing an eye
80 slaves themselves, Calhoun has become a controversial name on Clemson’s campus, where it is featured around the world, particularly as the name of the school’s College of Honor.
And many had enough.
Last week a Clemson student started a
Petition Change.org calls for the renaming of Calhoun Honors College which has already collected more than 12,500 signatures.
And on Monday, DeAndre Hopkins, a broad receiver for Arizona cardinals, condemned this
his alma mater on Instagram to continue the honor of Calhoun’s name – writing that this is one of the reasons Clemson doesn’t mention it before the NFL Games.
“I felt this oppressive figure during my time at Clemson and I intentionally don’t mention the name of the University before the NFL Games because of it,” he wrote. “I join the voices of students and faculty who have re-launched this petition to rename Calhoun Honors College. I invite all Clemson students, football players and alumni to join us so that the next generation of young black leaders can be proud of the institution in which they graduate. “
Deshaun Watson, also a graduate from Clemson, joined
Hopkins on Twitter, saying that the Calhoun name should be removed from any properties and programs.
“Clemson University should in no way honor slave owner John C. Calhoun,” he wrote.
The debate over Calhoun’s presence on Clemson’s campus is not new. But she revived as discussions about race and the legacy of slavery escalated after the death of George Floyd while he was in the custody of four Minneapolis police officers.
The petition’s description says Calhoun is “an example of institutional racism and white supremacy,” because of his role in advocating for slavery.
In a statement to CNN, vice president of university relations Mark Land said the university is aware of the current request and “respects the views of those who put the issue forward.”
“The University continues to work on what is best to build on our recent initiatives designed to make Clemson a place where all of our students, staff and guests feel welcome at all times. This release will be part of that effort,” the statement said.
Clemson University is not the only faculty under control in recent years.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill announced in 2018 that it will
change the plaques paid tribute to William R. Kenan. at Kenan Memorial Stadium to pay tribute to his son William R. Kenan Jr. who donated.
Kenan Sr. played the part in
Wilmington Race Riots from 1898, when a group of white militias rose in a coup, terrorizing and killing black residents and business owners, according to the UNC daily Daily Tar Heel.
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