CLEMSON, S.C. ― Clemson University is defending its policy after a staff member asked a man praying on campus last week to remove a sign or leave.
Local media reported a man had a “Prayer” sign Aug. 25 when he was asked to remove the sign or file a request to hold an event.
Clemson student Kyra Palange told WYFF-TV she saw the man with an empty chair with a sign that read “prayer.” Palange said the staff member’s action and the school policy violate the 1st Amendment.
Clemson issued a statement Tuesday to clarify the school’s policy.
“First and most importantly, Clemson does not prohibit prayer on our campuses,” the statement read.
But the statement said the school has rules for people not affiliated with the school that are necessary to maintain “an effective and safe learning environment for our students.”
Mark Land, vice president of University Relations, said anyone who is not a student must fill out a form from the campus activities and events office stating that they would like to speak, or assemble a group.
