News
EETV Web Team
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November 28
AUBURN, Ala (EETV)- Two students claim that a group calling themselves the Auburn White Student Union has started harassing them off campus.
The students, Alex and Lydia, who wish to be referred to only by their first names, say that they feel that the group has stalked them.
“Wake up and I see a sticker outside of my window, I didn't even see it first he [Alex] saw it and let me know and it’s directly outside of my kitchen window,” said Lydia, “and it’s just the sticker behind the stairs of the Auburn White Student Union.”
Alex and Lydia mentioned that orange and blue stickers stating “Auburn White Student Union” have appeared on outdoor spaces close to their apartment, something they say is especially unsettling given recent events.
“And they have the eagle which everyone else views as something Auburn-related, I feel that they might have fines and everything that you can’t use any Auburn propaganda or Auburn symbols in your propaganda that they wouldn't approve of,” said Lydia, “and so it’s like they’re still being allowed to use the eagle, it’s like does Auburn actually support them, is Auburn actually okay with having a White Student Union, because that’s not okay it’s not what I thought was going to happen when I came to Auburn.”
When the group first became visible last spring, Auburn University required the group to remove Auburn University copyrighted items from their website.
Lydia believes that some of the alleged targeting might stem from her activism promoting inclusion for those with disabilities and for speaking out against the on-campus speech by white nationalist Richard Spencer last spring.
“I feel that I’m also probably targeted because I try to be open and what not...and accepting of other people and a lot of differences,” said Lydia, “and so I guess that they don’t like that.”
The Auburn White Student Union, which according to Auburn University Assistant Vice President for Student Development Haven Hart is not an authorized campus organization, has been connected to out of state groups and white nationalist organizations.
In recent years, white nationalist leaders have increasingly tried to organize Auburn students and host events on campus.