This week was one of mild celebration here on Auburn’s campus after University of Alabama’s loss to Clemson in this year’s National Championship. The only thing that rolled here was students taking their rolls of toilet paper to the oak trees on Toomer’s Corner. This brought up mixed feelings about the appropriate times to take part in the distinctly Auburn tradition.
The tradition has historically been reserved for Auburn wins that the campus can celebrate as a whole. Recently with rollings after both the curse-breaking Chicago Cubs World Series win and Donald Trump being elected as President, conversation has started about keeping the tradition both classy and exclusive to events that directly involve Auburn. Opinions vary widely on the subject. Lily, a student majoring in Early Childhood Education, says that rolling the oaks comes down to two simple facts, “Auburn win. Bama lose. It’s the two things that everyone on campus can get behind.” She expresses a sentiment that many students agree with. No matter what, all Auburn students should be able to support the win. This caused quite the uproar during the Presidential election as many students on campus felt personally offended with the rolling of the oaks after Trump’s win. His hateful comments left many students feeling attacked, and seeing their peers supporting his win made them feel unsafe.
While the sentiment of rolling only when the entire campus is celebrating seems to be shared by most of the student body, there seemed to be little irritation with the rolling after the Cubs’ historic World Series Win. Shelby, a freshman majoring in Sciences Pre-Vet, says, “I don’t see any issue with that. They literally broke a curse! It was an exciting event no matter which side you were on.” This is where the big issue comes in. Where do we draw the line?
We can’t allow some events to slide while forbidding others. Rolling the Oaks should be exclusive to victories that directly affect and relate to the Auburn family. Whether that be sports wins or alumni accomplishments. Keeping the traditions specific to Auburn is part of what makes Auburn such a strong family.