Seeking Disclosure About Funding, Design And Ownership Of Public University “Tower of Hope” With Religious Symbol
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dotty Griffith, Public Education Director, ACLU Foundation of Texas
(713) 942-8146 x 103 or (832) 291-4776; [email protected]
HOUSTON – The ACLU of Texas on Wednesday asked officials of the City of San Antonio and Texas A&M University-San Antonio for details about how a controversial tower was designed, funded and dedicated.
Called the “Tower of Hope” at University Way and Loop 14 access road, the structure has drawn criticism because the Christian symbol of the cross is part of the motif on the public university landmark.
“The Christian symbol of a cross positioned near the TAMU-San Antonio seal on a building that is the gateway to a public university raises First Amendment concerns,” said Rebecca Robertson, Public Policy and Advocacy Director with the ACLU of Texas. “We are seeking full disclosure about the construction and funding of this structure so we can better understand the circumstances and evaluate the criticisms.”
The request asks for the following records and/or information relating to the Tower of Hope: expenditure or receipt of funds; design, construction and/or dedication; current ownership; and religious symbols incorporated into the design.
“We understand the concerns of some students, faculty and members of the community because the favoring of one religion over another is easily interpreted as an unwelcoming message of exclusivity to those of other faiths and non-believers,” said Terri Burke, ACLU of Texas Executive Director.
