ATLANTA (CBS ATLANTA) -
Georgia Tech is offering amnesty to thieves who stole the letter "T" off of signs across campus.
Student leaders estimate the university has spent $100,000 to replace the letters.
"I think it's a fun tradition, and I understand it costs money," said student Clara Kremer. "But you don't have to replace them. We're just going to take them down again."
Other students disagreed.
"It's a waste," said student Taylor Creek. "It (the money) could go to so many other things."
Stealing the letter "T" off of the Tech Tower was a time-honored tradition until a decade ago. When the university stopped the practice, thieves started stealing small "T's" off of signs.
This year, however, the university said the thefts are out of control.
"There's been some discussion of potentially putting up more video cameras or have more police officers," said Elle Creel, president of the Student Government Association. "But honestly I think we can have a cultural change where our students no longer see this as a tradition."
Creel's organization is spearheading the amnesty program and encouraging thieves to turn in their "T's."
As of late Wednesday afternoon, only two of the letters had been returned. But Creel is hopeful more will be turned in before the amnesty period ends on Friday.
"My message to someone who wants to steal a "T" is essentially it's vandalizing our campus, and we want to take pride in it," Creel said. "Don't do it."
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