Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Student chapter of NAACP returns to Clemson U. campus
By Perrin Collins
The Tiger (Clemson U.)
02/22/2008

(U-WIRE) CLEMSON, S.C. — The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has made its mark on society since its founding over 95 years ago.

Established in response to unethical discrimination experienced by minority groups in the United States, the NAACP has fought for equal rights and fair treatment for all races, ethnicities and genders. With these ideals in mind, student-led groups of the NAACP have surfaced at universities across the country.

This year, a group of Clemson University students have formed a chapter of the country's oldest civil rights organization in an effort to promote equality on a campus that prizes diversity.

Presiding as this year's president of Clemson's NAACP chapter is Marque Macon, a sophomore industrial engineering major.

Macon said he understands that there is a need for such an organization to exist on campus, especially after incidents like last year's notorious MLK party cast a negative light on the Clemson community and its tolerance for bigotry.

"First of all, even though some may not realize it, there still seems to be discrimination on campus," said Macon. "The NAACP serves as a safe haven for those who are faced with racial discrimination. If any student, faculty member or university employee is faced with some type of discrimination, they can come to the NAACP."

A student NAACP chapter is no stranger to Clemson University. In fact, the advocacy group had established its presence on campus until a few years ago when due to a significant decline in membership, the original chapter of the NAACP disbanded.

As students become more socially and politically minded, interest in such an organization has peaked once again. In order for Clemson's NAACP chapter to form a strong voice, Macon encourages people to get involved.

"Membership is important," he said. "In order to be as influential at Clemson as possible, we need more members. Membership is open to students, faculty and employees of all races, genders, religions and nationalities." Interested community members are also invited to join the Pickens County branch of the NAACP.

In addition to serving as a barometer for civil justice on the Clemson University campus, Clemson's NAACP chapter has planned a variety of social-awareness events including voter registration drives, community service projects and initiatives to encourage youth leadership.

Last semester, Clemson's organization sponsored voter registration drives at Daniel High School and plan to host similar events at other local high schools in the near future.

"Being an election year, we want to focus this semester on getting people registered to vote," said Macon. Fundraising events such as a spring car wash are also in the plans.

Since the ONE CLEMSON campaign was initiated on campus, the University has attempted to promote diversity of all kinds, especially with incoming freshmen. While some disagree with the recent initiative, Macon said he does not believe there can be "too much diversity." "The NAACP is here to make sure everyone is treated equally, and that the issue of diversity remains at the forefront of Clemson University," he said.

Macon originally became involved in the student chapter of the NAACP to encourage his peers to become active in the United Sates political process and to promote equality at Clemson University. "I have a passion to ensure that everyone on this campus is treated fairly," said Macon. "I want also to encourage everyone to get registered to vote, because it is very important."

Clemson's chapter of the NAACP meets every first and third Tuesday of the month in Riggs 101 at 7 p.m. Anyone and everyone is invited to attend the meetings.

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