Clemson President and AD tweet about the Confederate flag issue

by Tony Crumpton - Assoc. Editor - Mon Jun 22 16:34:20 GMT-04:00 2015

South Carolina governor Nikki Haley held a press conference on Monday afternoon calling for the Confederate Flag to be removed from the statehouse grounds.

"That flag, while an integral part of our past, does not represent the future of our state," Haley said during her press conference.

"By removing a symbol that divides us, we can move forward as a state in harmony and we can honor the nine blessed souls who are in heaven,” Haley added. Dylann Roof, a 21-year-old is being investigated with the murder of nine individuals during a bible study at the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston five days ago.

The confederate flag has flown in front of the state capitol for 15 years after being on top of the Statehouse dome. A state law that was passed in 2000 requires a 66% majority in both legislative houses to remove the flag from the premises.

In 2001, the NCAA imposed a ban on the state of South Carolina hosting post-season sporting events at predetermined sites due to the Confederate flag issue.

Clemson President Jim Clements and athletic director Dan Radakovic agree with Governor Haley's sentiment that the confederate flag should be taken down.

I join Gov. Haley and other South Carolina leaders in calling for the removal of the Confederate battle flag from the State House grounds.
— Jim Clements Jim Clements
President, Clemson University
View Full Profile (@ClemsonPrez) June 22, 2015

I agree with Gov Haley and Clemson President Jim Clements @ClemsonPrez that it is time to take down the Confederate Flag. #TakeDownTheFlag
— Dan Radakovich Dan Radakovich
Director of Athletics
View Full Profile (@ClemsonDRad) June 22, 2015

The following is a letter regarding the Confederate Flag from President Clements on Monday to Clemson students and the faculty.

Dear Clemson Family,

I write to let you know that I issued a brief statement earlier today, announcing that I join Governor Haley and other South Carolina leaders in calling for the removal of the Confederate battle flag from the State House grounds. Please continue to keep the families and friends of the victims in the Charleston shootings in your thoughts and prayers. A campus vigil is being organized for Wednesday to honor those who lost their lives. More information will be shared as soon as it is available.

Sincerely,

Jim Clements

James P. Clements, Ph.D.

President

Clemson University