The Daily Caller reported on emails Monday sent out by multiple Clemson University residential advisors instructing students living in university dorms to remove any reference of Harambe the gorilla from hallways or windows.
One email explained, “We are no longer allowing any reference to Harambe (or any other spelling) to be displayed on doors, halls, billboards, or windows.”
Another email, sent out by Clemson’s Graduate Community Director Brooks Artis, warned students that posting or even saying Harambe memes could even have some students “reported to OCES or Title IX for using bias language against someone.”
The media caught wind of the ban and it wasn’t long before Clemson took notice of the attention it was attracting. From what we can tell at TheDC, they weren’t too happy about it.
Clemson University tweeted at the the major media outlets that covered the ban Tuesday morning, using all caps to emphasize that despite the multiple emails sent out by university employees stating otherwise, Harambe memes are allowed.
@DailyCaller #Clemson has NOT banned #Harambe memes in residence halls. Message to students. https://t.co/FR1Cc22764
— Clemson University (@ClemsonUniv) September 27, 2016
The tweet also included a link to a press release on the ban, stating that students had been “incorrectly” told that they couldn’t display the memes:
“Clemson University’s housing office sent this message Monday evening to students in one residence area who had been told incorrectly that they are not allowed to display references to Harambe:
Good Evening –
This email is meant to clarify some earlier communication you may have received as a member of the Shoeboxes community.
We are committed to creating an inclusive, safe living community where all residents feel comfortable in peacefully expressing differing points of view. Last week, a door posting with a meme was brought to the attention of our staff as its content made some feel uncomfortable. We also want all residents to feel they are able express their thoughts, opinions and ideas.
To that end, we want to clarify that building residents are able to post items on their individual doors.
Should you encounter any issue of concern please reach out to your RA or other hall staff members for assistance.”
So there you have it, the memes can be returned to dorm walls and Harambe can go back to resting in peace.