College of Charleston President Andrew T. Hsu sent the following message to the campus community on Thursday, June 18, 2020:
Dear Campus Community,
I hope you are doing well.
As a university that is 250 years old, the College of Charleston reflects much of the complex history of this country. And history is embedded into our campus – in and on our buildings and within all of our spaces.
History is part of our charm, and history is also our burden.
In order for the College to address its history in a thoughtful and appropriate manner, I am creating a Historical Review Taskforce, which will be made up of campus scholars, researchers and other campus representatives, so that the College can ensure a more complete account of its story.
Fortunately, much good and thorough work has already been done by the College’s Historical Documentation Committee as part of the 250th celebration, and my hope is that this taskforce can expand on it.
I am charging this taskforce, which will be comprised of students, faculty and staff, to recommend to me and the Board of Trustees a set of guiding principles, criteria and a process for the review and approval of new historical interpretive signage on our campus buildings and spaces.
More information and more context will make us a stronger university.
Sincerely,
Andrew
Andrew T. Hsu, Ph.D.
President
College of Charleston