Posted on 09/12/2006 1:07:12 PM PDT by Cagey
No swearing allowed. Quit the sexist and racist chants, as well.
And if sports fans don't stop, they will get tossed from the stands, Boston University officials are warning.
Terrier fans are particularly rabid at ice hockey games, where they wear red and white jerseys, paint their faces, and proudly proclaim their loyalty in loud and sometimes profane chants. They call themselves the Dog Pound and are known for taunting rival fans and insulting opposing players.
But university officials said yesterday that they have a new policy forbidding the use of swear words at BU sports events, along with racist and sexist comments. The penalty is expulsion from the sporting event, and it has enraged some students who say that cursing is practically tradition.
``That's terrible and an infringement on our freedom of speech," said Kendall Lyons, an 18-year-old sophomore who often takes part in the chants. ``Sports won't be fun anymore."
BU's dean of students, Kenneth Elmore, said the new policy was put in place after administrators received numerous complaints about the stream of obscenities coming from students at hockey games.
Complaints from fans and parents were particularly bitter in March, following the NCAA Northeast Regional final in Worcester, where archrival Boston College trounced BU 5 to 0 and where BU fans shouted a refrain that included an obscenity. The NCAA complained and suggested that BU officials do something about the bad language, Elmore said.
``We wanted to make clear that games should be spirited and lively," Elmore said.
``But standing and shouting obscenities does not have a place. I don't equate school spirit with the yelling of obscenities."
Stephen Burgay, a school spokesman, said the new policy was based on others adopted by schools around the country, including the University of Wisconsin and Ohio State University.
(Excerpt) Read more at boston.com ...
I don't condone the behavior, but freedom of speech applies to everyone, not just those whose speech we like.
When I saw BU, I thought they meant Baylor University, the last place you would expect such behavior.
But if I was there by myself, I'd probably be sneaking over to the student section and yelling "BULLS**T! BULLS**T!" right along with 'em. "Yeah, I know I look too old to be here, I'm, uh, a grad student, yeah, that's the ticket..."
}:-)4
Next. No fighting at BU Hockey Games.
Clearly, these people have never heard the Alma Mater sung at a Penn State game...LOL
LOL!
Sports fans in Boston not being allowed to swear? No, really...sports fans...in Boston...not being allowed to swear? Mmyeah. Good luck with that.
I don't think you have the correct definition of "freedom of speech". Perhaps you could enlighten us about how the Constitution defines it. Then I might change my mind.
The wussification of American continues.
yeah, right............
Ok, maybe BYU.
Taking this a step or two further:
Imagine not allowing Boston Fans to swear at the Yankees?
If this catches on it will surely end the minute it gets to Philadelphia. No fans swear better than Eagles fans. They've made it an art form.
So true! Only wussies use profanity to express themselves in these situations. Usually because they have no character or self-control to respect anyone else. Oh wait, I don't think that is what you meant. My bad.
Wouldn't it be simpler to just ban the Kennedys?
LOL!
Aw C'mon---the kid jst got finished picking his nose and wants to show mommy the big ole booger.
I think we all agree that it's possible to be creative without using profanity. I am simply amused by the notion that folks feel that stuff like this should be regulated. Nanny-state, and all that . . . .
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