As the parent of two graduates from Savannah College of Art and Design, I am proud to know that there is a building on that campus that recognizes one of the most accomplished African Americans of our time.

I am proud to live in a country where someone can begin life deep within the clutches of poverty and racial oppression, but through hard work, education, faith and determination become a Senior Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. Justice Thomas’ story is only possible in one place on this Earth — the United States of America. His life and the good he has done with it serves as a testament to the idea that anyone with the will to work hard and overcome obstacles can achieve anything. His story is one that I want my children to know and understand.

Justice Thomas’ legacy on SCAD's campus is a reflection of the school's commitment to diversity, a dedication to the struggles and achievements of millions of African Americans and an inspiration for every SCAD student that you can achieve your dreams no matter what obstacles you face along the way. This is a legacy that must be preserved. We cannot become a nation where the bedrock legal standard of presumption of innocence is abandoned, character forever impugned and lives forever ruined in the pursuit of petty political partisanship.

We are a presently a nation divided; however, I have faith in the American spirit and in our divinely inspired genius that we can return to a country united. The first step we can take at SCAD is defending and preserving the legacy of African Americans like Clarence Thomas on SCAD's campus. Please join me in telling SCAD to keep Justice Thomas’ name on the Clarence Thomas Center for Historical Preservation.

I feel called to author this petition to show just how many people support Justice Thomas and his legacy. We Stand with Justice Thomas and SCAD's decision to rightly honor his service and inspiration to so many of us regardless of politics.