Of Tigers and Trees, Part 2

The AU SGA president has sent this e-mail to the AU community.

 

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Dear AU Community,

In 2000, Auburn University's Student Government Association (SGA) began
an official Holiday Tree Lighting tradition. Recently, false information
spread that the Auburn University Student Government Association changed
the name of this celebration from a Christmas Tree Lighting to a Holiday
Tree Lighting and banned a Christmas tree on campus.

No such banning or name change has occurred since this tradition began.
Furthermore, it is important to stress that Auburn originally chose to
call its celebration a Holiday Tree Lighting not to deny the beliefs of
anyone, but, instead, to be inclusive of all of its more than 23,000
students and their traditions and beliefs.

Now, because the facts of Auburn's celebration have been misrepresented
to certain well-intended individuals and organizations, Auburn finds
itself in a controversy it did not seek. Fortunately, this controversy
has caused Auburn's student leaders to begin to thoughtfully examine the
annual celebration in hopes that it can continue in a way that is
agreeable to all. This year's lighting has already taken place, so there
is time for an examination that is not hasty, but is deliberate and
intent on a lasting solution.

I can assure the Auburn family and others who have expressed their
concern that this examination has begun. I believe student leadership at
Auburn is intent on finding a way to hold a celebration and to call a
Christmas tree what it is - a Christmas tree - but, at the same time
embrace other faiths and belief systems.

I ask for patience in allowing the SGA to do its work. I believe that,
when our work is complete, everyone will be pleased.

Sincerely,

John Tatum
SGA President
Auburn University

 

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