As students, faculty, staff, alumni, and activists at Clemson University, we demand that the University rename The Strom Thurmond Institute. 

Clemson University established the Strom Thurmond Institute for Government and Public Policy in 1982 to “conduct applied research and service programs in public policy areas” and to “enhance public awareness of public policy issues through formal and informal educational programs.”

Strom Thurmond represented South Carolina in the Senate from 1956-2003. He is remembered as one of the biggest political supporters of racial segregation, beginning with his opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In 1957, he held the longest filibuster in US history, over 24 hours, to oppose the Civil Rights Act. He leads a legacy of racism and white supremacy. 

Continuing to honor Strom Thurmond and his career of racist politics goes against Clemson University’s core values of honesty, integrity, and respect. President James P. Clements recently stated that Clemson will not tolerate racism “in any form”: “We can, and must, do better if we are to build a truly inclusive Clemson community.” If this is true, we will strive to remove any obstacles that stand in the way.