GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT
August 2, 2017
R. Gerald Tuer, Ph.D.
President
Southern Methodist University
P.O. Box 750100
Dallas, Texas 75275-0100
Dear President Turner:
As governor, and on behalf of the people of this great state, I ask that you reconsider the decision
to deny the request to display the student-led 9/11 memorial of nearly 3,000 American flags in its
appropriate and traditional place of honor on the lawn of Dallas Hall of Southern Methodist
University.
This display is not political, It is not partisan. It is not controversial.
“This is about our nation united
Each flag represents a life taken, the soul of a family destroyed. Yet each flag also represents a
symbol of hope, for as a people united we remain unbowed.
Task that the 9/11 display not be relegated to a far comer of campus. It should be celebrated in
its heart.
As SMU is shaping the future leaders of our state, our nation and our world, I would hope we are
teaching them about the importance of civil and civic participation.
‘We must never forget
‘Thank you for your consideration of this request,
Sincerely,
Jes, bbb
Greg Abbot
Governor
Post Orrice Box 12428 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78711 512-463-2000 (VoICE) DIAL. 7-1-1 FoR RELAY SERVICES