NCAA updates confederate flag policy

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From Inside the Red Raiders

In a time where many traditions and statues with racist pasts are being altered or taken down completely, the NCAA has taken a strong stance on the confederate flag. The organization announced in a press release that it will not hold any championship events in states where the symbol has a “prominent presence.”

“Competing in an NCAA championship is a special experience for college athletes who compete at the highest level and we are grateful for the college athlete voice leading to this decision,” said Mark Emmert, NCAA president. “We must do all we can to ensure that NCAA actions reflect our commitment to inclusion and support all our student-athletes. There can be no place within college sports where any student-athlete is demeaned or unwelcome.”

The policy previously barred the awarding of sites determined in advance of a championship in states that displayed the Confederate flag. However, if a college or university team earned the right to host a championship game based on its tournament seeding or ranking — considered a non predetermined award — the team could host on its college campus or in its home territory.

Mississippi is the only state currently affected by the NCAA’s policy. In a statement last night, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey called on the state to change its flag, which features a confederate emblem.

“It is past time for change to be made to the Flag of the State of Mississippi,” Sankey wrote. “Our students deserve an opportunity to learn and compete in environments that are inclusive and welcoming to all.

“In the event there is no change, there will be consideration of precluding Southeastern Conference championship events from being conducted in the State of Mississippi until the state flag is changed.”

The SEC is a busy conference when it comes to this subject of eliminating traditions and symbols with racist pasts. According to an ESPN report, acting Georgia band director Brett Bawcum has notified music school officials that the band will no longer be performing, “Tara’s Theme,” which was from the 1939 film, “Gone with the Wind,” after games. Instead, the band will be playing, “Georgia on My Mind.”

According to John Ridley, the maker of, “Gone with the Wind,” the film ignores, “the horrors of slavery,” and it also perpetuates, “some of the most painful stereotypes of people of color.”

“Though the tradition has been under discussion for months within the band, the current social media climate has highlighted the urgency of addressing it and made me conscious of the message that could be interpreted by delay,” Bawcum wrote in his letter, according to AJC.com. “To be clear, the issue with the tradition is not the motivation of those who have embraced it, but rather the possibilities it may limit in those who haven’t. I value tradition, but I value creating a welcoming environment much more.”

Florida, meanwhile, said it would discontinue the “Gator Bait” chant at games.

University president Kent Fuchs announced in a letter to the UF community on Thursday.

“While I know of no evidence of racism associated with our “Gator Bait” cheer at UF sporting events, there is horrific historic racist imagery associated with the phrase. Accordingly University Athletics and the Gator Band will discontinue the use of the cheer.”

The cheer has frequently been used after a quick band intro, followed by fans chomping twice with their arms and cheering “Gator Bait.”

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