Why SCC's President Laura Gross is Turning Down an Award from The University of Georgia

Written by: Laura Gross

My home for the past 24 years has been Washington, DC. I’ve worked for the federal government and on political campaigns, planned and attended events at the U.S. Capitol and Senate buildings. I’ve walked the hallowed halls of our nation’s Capitol building more times than I can remember. When I drive by the U.S. Capitol with my children, we talk about how lucky they are to grow up in our nation’s capital and to see so much political activism and democracy in their hometown.  

I love living in Washington, DC. However, my roots and values always go back to how I was raised in Georgia, and what I learned at UGA. And these skills and values helped me grow the confidence to start my public relations firm.  As a small business owner, I have earned the Bulldog 100 award four times. This award commends the growth of small businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni. This February, I was to receive the award for the fifth time. I am always so proud of this award – I feel lucky to have started a business focused on my passions. And I have felt so fortunate that UGA has acknowledged this accomplishment. Because of this award, I have reconnected with my university – I am often called upon by UGA faculty and administration officials to speak with current UGA students about my experiences. I’ve presented to classes, have spoken with students and alumni about finding jobs, and hired two UGA students as interns. 

I know faculty and administration officials at UGA want everyone to feel like they can democratically contribute to our society and make a difference. So, it boggles my mind that UGA President Jere Morehead felt the need to release a statement about the final electoral vote but made no mention at all about the violence, death, and the insurrectionists who stormed the U.S. Capitol. A Capitol police officer died from injuries incurred from the violent mob. Not to mention, this mostly white, male crowd was treated with more respect than peaceful Black Lives Matter protestors. 

Numerous universities across the country, leaders of higher education associations, and other Georgia college presidents had strong statements condemning the violence at the U.S. Capitol. Even Vice President Mike Pence, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-SC) condemned it. Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA) said that the “violence and destruction” he saw at the U.S. Capitol was “disgraceful.” Why did President Morehead feel the need to release any statement if he didn’t address the violence? And, when was the last time UGA - or any university - released a statement about an Electoral College vote anyway? 

I used to be a proud UGA alum. Now I’m just embarrassed to be associated with a university that cannot condemn what happened when insurrectionists took over our nation’s capital. Therefore, I am choosing to not accept the Bulldog 100 award this February. President Morehead needs to seriously think about how he represents the students, faculty, and the state of Georgia. He indeed, does not represent me. I hope I can be associated with UGA again and earn the Bulldog 100 award in the future, but for now, I can’t in good conscience associate my name and my business with a university and a leader who very obviously ignores violence, death, and the values of our country.