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