I recently graduated in December from Auburn, a university that I love dearly. We have a beloved tradition at Auburn where following athletic victories the trees are rolled at Toomer’s Corner to signify the win.
Following the 2016 presidential election,
However, something did surprise me recently. Following Senator Jones’ victory in the recent special election held to fill the vacancy left by Attorney General Sessions, Auburn students supporting Jones also ‘dared’ to roll the trees for an election result. I personally have no problem with their celebration, speaking as a student who formerly “dared” to roll the trees following the results of an election, and as one who was happy to see fellow students engaged with current events of our state and our country. However, unlike President Trump’s election, the election of Senator Jones was not followed the next day or any day afterward by a similar outcry attacking students for daring to roll trees for non-Auburn related events. In fact, the Plainsman shared multiple posts of photos of the Jones celebration.
I believe anyone, regardless of personal political affiliation, can easily see what could be deemed a hypocritical disparity between the reactions displayed by the Plainsman in regards to these two election reactions. This is particularly interesting considering the Plainsman initially argued for inclusivity only to later ignore what they before seemingly thought to be such a pressing issue? On a campus largely comprised of conservatives I find the inclusion argument,
Other views on rolling the trees:
I say all of this to put into perspective the upcoming coverage of the mid-term elections at which point supporters may or may not be condemned, depending on the election’s results, for their dare to celebrate victories on the campus where they pay tuition.
I know there are some who truly believe the trees should only be rolled for Auburn related events. I do not personally share that belief, as I think it to be merely a student reaction to events (whether political,
The discussion of inclusion is important on our campus and throughout our country. Everyone, regardless of race, gender, political
I would like to thank the Plainsman for permitting me to share my thoughts on this subject and all of those who have taken the time to read my views.
War Eagle,
Taylor Johnson
Want to submit your own letter to the editor? Check out our submission and opinion page policies here.
Taylor Johnson is a fall 2017 graduate of Auburn University.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.