WTVM.com and WTVM News Leader 9, Columbus, GA | Auburn Lights Christmas Tree At Holiday Celebration

Auburn Lights Christmas Tree At Holiday Celebration

Auburn University was caught in the middle of a Christmas controversy last year. The Christmas Tree was renamed the "Holiday Tree," and that garnered the university national attention. This year, the "Christmas Tree" is back on Samford Lawn. The Student Government Association held forums over the last few months to gauge people's reaction.

"To get feedback from the community, students, faculty pertaining to what they want out of this event. There was some controversy surrounding it last year, so we wanted to have a focus where students could come and voice their opinions," said Henley Groves, SGA administrative vice president.

This year, the lighting ceremony is called the "Holiday Celebration." Groves says the Christmas Tree will be lit, but unity candles will also be lit for other faiths.

"We'll have a unity candle celebrating the Auburn family, and all that encompasses that and how much we encourage and support each other. We'll have the international student organization here on campus, as well as the Jewish student organization come forth, and they'll be the first ones to light that candle," Groves said.

One Hindu student says it should still be called a "Holiday Tree."

"Christmas is too far, and the holiday starts early, so it should be the Holiday Tree. It would be the true celebration of holiday," said Jaydeep Chaudhari.

Another says at least everyone will have a part.

"That'll be fine. That's something since they're going to change it back. That's something to say that we're not trying to exclude anyone, but it's saying that we're trying to include everybody," said Samuel Chance, a senior at Auburn.

Last year, as a protest to the "Holiday Tree," a group put up a "Christ Tree" near Toomer's Corner. Talking to other people around campus, the majority opinion is there's no controversy this year.