Christmas Tree at Auburn

[Aubie7 0]

December 6, 2005

CAMPUS CONNECTION EXTRA

LETTER FROM SGA PRESIDENT JOHN TATUM

Dear fellow students,

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

[Guest Tigrinum Major]

This was posted in another thread yesterday. See the political forum.