Council Chairman Durham Accuses Clemson University of Deception in Newry Project

FOIA emails reveal Clemson University orchestrated a deception campaign with PR firm NP Strategy—previously tied to the Alex Murdaugh case—to control messaging around the Newry housing development, including drafting statements attributed to United Homes Group (UHG) while denying involvement, according to Oconee County Council Chairman Matthew Durham. With UHG board members including Trustee Nikki Haley and President Jim Clements, internal documents show senior university and UHG leaders discussing housing plans early on, contradicting public denials and raising concerns over potential taxpayer-funded PR aiding a private developer; Durham calls for Clemson to end the spin, fully comply with FOIA requests, and provide honest answers to Oconee County residents.