Lauren Cooley

Furman has just announced its 12th president, and her name is Dr. Elizabeth Davis. That’s right, a ‘her.’ While everyone is praising Furman for hiring a female and rejoicing that we have a new president, I’m waiting to find out who she is, both as an individual and as an academic leader.

Three weeks ago, we acted on our own behalf as concerned students disappointed in our beloved university for bringing such a divisive speaker to campus to celebrate such a historical event. Three weeks ago we protested the Rev. Jesse Jackson outside of McAlister Auditorium during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement.

Twelve years ago, our country faced one of the most brutal terrorist attacks in its history. We lost loved ones at the Twin Towers in New York, Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and on United Airlines Flight 93. In the days to come, we rallied around the flag, regained a strong sense of national pride, and stood together. America was on the mend, united in the face of adversity and stronger than ever.