Social media posts show that a bake sale hosted by Clemson University students has sparked backlash from the community.
The “Affirmative Action Bake Sale” was hosted on Wednesday, February 1st. Clemson chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) — A national non-profit organization that says its mission is to “identify, educate, train, and organize students to advance their freedom.”
Students at the club were “selling” cookies that were priced according to the race of the buyer, social media posts show.
According to one post, the group set up a table outside the university building with cookies and a sign displaying prices. According to the sign, the cookie costs $1.50 for Asian buyers, $1 for White buyers, 50 cents for Hispanic buyers, 20 cents for Black buyers, and 20 cents for Native American buyers. It was free.
The club later posted a story on Instagram clarifying that all cookies were free and that the price was to “highlight the racism of Affirmative Action.”
“Our stance is very clear: we do not support affirmative action,” the post reads.
The club issued a statement on Thursday 2nd February, There was no “malice”. Back side of bake sale.
A statement shared on Instagram “never suggested that individuals at Clemson weren’t working hard to be here.” I simply believe that judgment should be made on the basis of
Affirmative action is a ‘race-conscious policy’ According to the American Civil Liberties Union, this allows schools to view applicant race as a means of promoting a diverse student body. This policy was first implemented in his 1960s.
“Unlike universities that have affirmative action programs and set different standards for different races, yesterday we distributed cookies to all students, regardless of race,” the club said in a statement.
Clemson University is Affirmative Action Plan Goals and Benchmarks for “Removal”[ing] According to university policy, every different effect of past discrimination until equality is reached.
Turning Point USA did not immediately respond to McClatchy News’ request for comment.
The bake sale sparked a backlash from Clemson community members and others online. Many believed the sale was racist, especially since it was held on the first day of Black His History Her Month.
“I already know that you specifically chose the first day of Black History Month to do this… If it’s blatant racism, then you’re all spitting out the facts. Please don’t claim to be,” one person commented on Clemson TPUSA’s Instagram.
“Everyone should be so embarrassed…a sad day for Clemson,” wrote another.
“Every time Clemson University attempts to advance in a parochial Deep South atmosphere, it is set back by individuals who act and think like this,” the third party said in a comment. Please don’t embarrass us alumni even if you say you did.”
Another shared a TikTok video showing the bake sale, writing, “Pov: You go to Clemson University. ”
“This is literally grossly patronizing and racist,” one person commented. “Who greenlighted[ed] this? ? ? February 1?!”
“It’s very disturbing that there are students on this campus who even thought of this,” said another.
Clemson University did not immediately respond to the McClatchy News’ request for comment.
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