Our Movement
The Reclaim&Rename platform aims to address issues of systemic racism on Clemson University’s campus by demanding the immediate removal of John C. Calhoun’s name from the Honors College. A figure who advocated for the expansion of slavery as a “positive good,” Calhoun exemplifies white supremacist values which fail to reflect the university’s mission, fail to promote inclusivity and the recognition of diverse perspectives, and fail to support the sanctity of Black lives. Founded in 1962, the Honors College did not adopt the addition of Calhoun’s name until 1981; to change the name of the program, then, is not to “erase history,” but rather, to acknowledge that our understanding of history has evolved. As many universities around the world are tackling the challenge of institutional legacies, we must join the cause by actively pursuing policies and practices of anti-racism on Clemson’s predominantly white campus— a campus which notably occupies a former plantation and was constructed primarily by slave labor. John C. Calhoun’s name represents a persistent and unnecessary obstacle to enhancing Clemson’s diversity and increasing its excellence. To reject the inclusion of this name on the Calhoun Honors College is to renounce racist ideals and affirm the notion that Black lives are valued at Clemson University.
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R&R Completed Action Items
In the News
Clemson’s Calhoun Honors College has a new name after pushback - The State
Clemson removes John C. Calhoun's name from Honors College, asks to rename Tillman Hall - Greenville News
Clemson drops Calhoun's name, renames Honors College; requests authority to rename Tillman Hall - Fox Carolina
Clemson to remove name of pro-slavery politician from school's honor college - NBC News
Clemson removes John C. Calhoun's name from honors college - CBS News
Clemson Trustees approve Honors College name change; request authority to restore original name of Tillman Hall - Clemson Newsstand
Clemson, UofSC students and alumni call for repeal of Heritage Act - ABC 4 News
Clemson University Board of Trustees to vote on Calhoun Honors College Friday - Greenville News
Racing to Beat Coronavirus, Clemson Faced a Debate on Race - Wall Street Journal
Clemson to Strip ‘Calhoun’ Name From Honors College - Wall Street Journal
State lawmakers respond to concerns with an Upstate monument and University program - WSPA
Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins urge Clemson to drop name of slave-owning politician - Washington Post
DeAndre Hopkins explains reasoning for not saying Clemson in player intros - tigernet.com
DeAndre Hopkins, Deshaun Watson join petition to remove John Calhoun's name from Clemson - CBS Sports
DeAndre Hopkins calls for Clemson to remove slave owner's name from school - CardsWire
DeAndre Hopkins explains why he doesn’t rep Clemson in NFL intros - Arizona Sports 98.7FM
Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins rally for removal of slave owner’s name at Clemson’s honor college - click2houston.com
DeAndre Hopkins Explains Why He Doesn’t Say 'Clemson' in Pre-Game Introductions - Sports Illustrated
DeAndre Hopkins Denounces Alma Mater for Commemorations - SI AllCardinals
Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins urge Clemson to stop honoring slavery advocate John Calhoun - NBC Sports
Who was John C. Calhoun? Former Clemson Stars DeAndre Hopkins and Deshaun Watson Want Slavery Advocate's Name Removed - Newsweek
DEANDRE HOPKINS, DESHAUN WATSON WANT SLAVE OWNER’S NAME REMOVED AT CLEMSON - Source Sports
Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins join petition to remove John C. Calhoun's name from Clemson - USA Today
Protestors revive push to remove John C. Calhoun's name from Clemson Honors College - Greenville News
DeAndre Hopkins Joins Petition Urging Clemson to Rename Calhoun Honors College - Bleacher Report
NFL star DeAndre Hopkins calls for name change to Clemson building - The State
DeAndre Hopkins calls for Clemson to change honors college name - 247 Sports
DEANDRE HOPKINS CALLS OUT CLEMSON: Remove Slave Owner's Name From Honors College!!! - TMZ
Opinion: It's time to strip Calhoun's name from Clemson's Honors College - Greenville News
Clemson's Tillman Hall, Confederate monument in Anderson and more targeted by petitions - Greenville News