Repeal the Heritage Act

I’m writing to urge you to publicly support the repeal of the Heritage Act. It’s long past time to give South Carolina’s cities and schools the power to make local and independent decisions about Confederate and pro-segregation memorials. I agree with the editorial board of the Greenville News that “The decision about what to do with these memorials must reside with local residents. They are the ones who live and work around these monuments. They are the people who will have to explain to their children and grandchildren why these monuments matter.” While I commend Clemson for its recent recommendation to rename Tillman Hall, it is outrageous that in 2020 they are required to take up the state legislature’s time and taxpayer dollars to get approval for this change. Students and citizens should no longer have to live in communities that publicly honor slavery and segregation. I stand with tens of thousands of South Carolinians who believe in a better future for South Carolina and I ask you to repeal the Heritage Act as a critical first step into that future. Thank you.