Southern Miss takes disciplinary action against students for derogatory chant

[kpete]

Source: CNN

Southern Miss takes disciplinary action against students for derogatory chant
By Gustavo Valdes, CNN
March 20, 2012 -- Updated 1728 GMT (0128 HKT)

..................

(CNN) -- Five members of the University of Southern Mississippi pep band have had their scholarships revoked and have been removed from the band after they yelled a derogatory chant at a Puerto Rican player during an NCAA basketball tournament game last week.

The school announced the disciplinary action in a statement Tuesday, saying the five "have been forthcoming, cooperative, contrite and sincerely remorseful."

"They acted rashly and inappropriately, and now see the gravity of their words and actions," Vice President for Student Affairs Joe Paul said. "This is a teachable moment, not only for these students but for our entire student body and those who work with them."

The students will also be required to complete a two-hour training course on cultural sensitivity, the school said. The school has not identified the students.

Read more: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/20/sport/ncaa-racism/index.html?eref=rss_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

[lukkadairish]

1. Ive been waiting for word on this

It works for me.

[bluestateguy]

2. I applaud them for the discipline

The scholarship revocations are a very good thing.

I fail to see, however, the value of a 2 hour seminar on cultural sensitivity. Such feel good therapy sessions have been shown to be time wasting, money wasting exercises.

[xxqqqzme]

3. cultural sensitivity is fine.

How about some history and social studies? Starting w/ the people of Puerto Rico being US citizens.

[friendly_iconoclast]

5. No shit. Educate their bigoted and ignorant little asses...

[DeSwiss]

11. Here's a good place to start.....

Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong is a 1995 book by sociologist James Loewen. It critically examines twelve American history textbooks and concludes that textbook authors propagate factually false, Eurocentric, and mythologized views of history. In addition to critiquing the dominant historical themes presented in textbooks, Loewen presents a number of his own historical themes that he says are ignored by traditional history textbooks. A newly revised and updated hardcover edition was released on April 1, 2008.

Loewen criticizes modern American history textbooks for containing inaccurate depictions of historical figures and events such as Christopher Columbus and slavery. He further criticizes the texts for a tendency to avoid controversy and for their "bland" and simplistic style. He proposes that when American history textbooks elevate American historical figures to the status of heroes, they unintentionally give students the impression that these figures are part of an unattainable past. In other words, the history-as-myth method teaches students that America's greatest days have already passed. Loewen asserts that the muting of past clashes and tragedies makes history boring to students, especially groups excluded from the positive histories.

- K&R

[joeglow3]

4. This is all around sad

I think back to a friend who had a band scholarship. There is absolutely no way she could afforded college without this and she is now a successful CPA. Take away her scholarship and she is paying a huge price for the rest of her life.

I am not saying the revocation of the scholarship was not warranted, but it still sucks that someone could face HUGE financial ramifications for the rest of their life because of one stupid chant at a sporting event (which is filled with such gems as "Fuck you, Eat shit" at Wisconsin football games). Hopefully people learn a serious lesson from this.

[LynneSin]

7. I would think that your friend wouldn't go chanting racist remarks

at a highly public basketball game - one that has national coverage.

And there is a HUGE difference between saying "Fuck You, Eat Shit" and chanting "Where's your Green Card". The first one is very general vs. one that is very specifically racist.

The students deserved it and I'm glad that Southern Mississippi took the appropriate steps to handle this case.

[joeglow3]

8. I am not arguing the merits or comparing which is worse

Just saying it shows how one thing you do for 5 seconds as an 18 year old can fuck you hard for the rest of your life.

[SemperEadem]

10. yeah, like juveniles being tried as adults for crime

and being sentenced to prison... stupidity in a split second can alter a young life forever.

[joeglow3]

12. And this is what scares me as a parent of 3 boys

I do my best to raise them and hope they learn the importance of things early on. However, I will bet they won't, as I look at some of the stupid shit I did when I was 16-18.

[SemperEadem]

9. well said

some people need to have a ton of shit land on them before they understand that actions have consequences... they don't understand the gravity of a situation unless they're made to feel personal pain.

[golddigger]

6. I also blame the Lawmakers of Miss. for fostering

this bigoted hate.

[chrisa]

13. "Training Courses" are a total waste of time.

[Dont call me Shirley]

14. Wow, loss of scholarship, that is sending a strong message

to the bigots who choose to be brazenly outspoken.

[olddad56]

15. mayeb a trip to Puerto Rica would be good for them.

[proud2BlibKansan]

16. Taking their scholarships away seems kind of severe

But it's good to see the university react.

[olddad56]

17. doesn't seem severe to me, send them to play music on the streets of Puerto Rica,

that would be severe.