The acquisition began without proper student and faculty representation.
We have a right as tuition paying students to be adequately represented on a wider scale than the student government when issues arise regarding our campus, especially ones that could have an impact on the school's name and image. The administration did not approach and continues to leave out the will of the students. If KSU's administration had engaged in open dialogue with the campus community from the beginning, it would have been possible to discuss the difficult possibility of restoration and reclamation of the land for anti-racist studies; however, the administration failed to do so and developed its plans in a small, private group. This process so far has not thoroughly addressed the situation at hand.
The administration failed to make known the truth about Corra May White Harris.
Her career and legacy as a cherished Georgian writer was founded completely on her supremacist notions in the article "A Southern Woman's View". Without this vulgar display of racist ideology, Harris' career and legacy would not be at the status it is today. Also, quoted from her will by Robert Latimer Hurst, she requested that her land be a "living memorial" to her legacy. KSU's name and image will be tied to that racist legacy if we let it.
Also, the land has always been "blood-land".
Oppression has played a vital role in the land's history. The land was once owned by the Cherokee Chief "Pine Log", who originally built the still-standing one room cabin in 1820, but was ceded to the United States when the Chief was forced out of his home and onto the Trail of Tears. Harris purchased the land after her husband's death in 1910, and lived the remaining years there. She is currently buried on the property with a church built above her. Exhuming a body and destroying a church are the measures that would have to be taken if the land were to be washed clean of her. Her presence will always be felt by those who walk on that land.
To be told the truth from the start.
Getting information months after the fact is a fallacy. The students should have been informed from the beginning about the land deal and its history.
For the administration to adhere to their own standards on race relations and discrimination.
The schools owes it to the students and to itself to prevent any act of discrimination from occurring within its grounds. By intentionally suppressing the racial component of the land's previous owner, the administration has not fulfilled this obligation.
A progressive forum through which thoughts, ideas, and concerns can be expressed and heard.
In a forum setting, students and faculty can engage in serious discussion about the issues at hand without scandalous politics governing their words or actions. This is an event that should be attended by all who seek education and truth about the proposed land acquisition, the half-truths, and the shutting out of students and scholars.
Here are some links for you to find more information concerning the lynching of Sam Hose, Corra May White Harris, and the acquisition.
Sam Hose on Wikipedia
Corra May White Harris on Wikipedia
An account of the lynching on OurGeorgiaHistory.com
More accounts of lynching
AJC's article on the acquisition
