Welcome to our October newsletter. Apologies for the Tuesday publication. We try to be consistent about publishing this the first Monday of every month, but my one-year-old and a leak in my basement had different plans for October apparently.
If you’re new here, the Furman Free Speech Alliance is a rapidly growing group of alumni, parents, and friends who are concerned about Furman University’s deteriorating campus climate for free speech, academic freedom, and viewpoint diversity.
Each month, we update you on what’s happening at Furman and what actions we’re taking to defend free speech on campus.
Looking Back:
This past month, much of Florida, Georgia, and the western Carolinas were devastated by Hurricane Helene. As of Monday, October 7, the death toll had risen to at least 232 people, making this the deadliest hurricane since Katrina in 2005. Our prayers are with the thousands of people who have lost loved ones, have seen their homes destroyed, and continue without power or running water.
We’re especially praying for our fellow Paladins. Furman’s campus was directly in the path of the storm, as were the homes and families of many Furman alumni.
In the midst of this chaos, however, we’ve also seen amazing examples of courage and charity. President Davis -- who is a proven leader during times of crisis -- highlighted the preparedness of Furman’s chief of police John Milby, the diligence of Jeff Redderson and Rick Schosky, who led Furman’s Facilities Services in clearing campus of debris, and the work of Furman’s director of auxiliary services Tony McGuirt, who made sure students had something to eat.
As a former student myself, I can attest that Furman’s staff are some of the best in the business. They are reliable and trustworthy.
We’d also like to highlight the amazing generosity of some parents of Furman students who live in the Greenville area. With Uber unavailable, one mother offered to transport students to the airport so that they could fly home to see their families. Another couple offered to deliver items to Furman students in need. And still another offered to help students who need medicine or other special goods.
Moments like these make us remember why we started Furman Free Speech Alliance. Because Furman is a strong community, full of incredible people, and we want to help it thrive.
One Stat You Should Know:
More than 300,000 people remained without power in Georgia and the Carolinas as of Sunday night (10/6).
Looking Ahead:
Especially considering the hardship brought by Hurricane Helene, it is good news that October presents an opportunity for the Furman community to come together, support one another, and celebrate.
That’s right, Furman Homecoming is set for October 18-20, which is just 10 days away! Even better, the Furman Free Speech Alliance will be there in force. We will have a tent right next to the fan zone, and our team will be serving up cool drinks and delicious Henry’s Smokehouse BBQ.
If you’re a subscriber, a friend, or just a fellow fan of the Paladins, please come on by and visit us. We’d love to shake your hand, serve you a plate, and share a little more about what the Furman Free Speech Alliance is doing these days!
In the Network:
If you missed it, be sure to check out Furman Free Speech Alliance member Evan Myers’ op-ed in the Post and Courier about some immediate steps Furman can take to improve free speech on campus.