BOSTON (AP) – Boston University officials are cracking down on fans using foul language at sporting events, warning that those who swear or taunt opposing players and rival fans with racist or sexist chants face expulsion from the game.
Kenneth Elmore, BU’s dean of students, said Monday the new policy comes after administrators received numerous complaints about students cussing at hockey games. He said NCAA officials complained about BU students following the NCAA Northeast Regional final last March in Worcester, where rival Boston College trounced BU 5-0.
“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.”
Elmore said repeat offenders could be permanently barred from the arena.
Stephen Burgay, a school spokesman, said the new policy was based on others adopted by school around the country, including the University of Wisconsin and Ohio State University. He said the policy will be printed on the back of tickets for all varsity sports events, and in letters delivered to season ticket holders.
Burgay said the policy was vetted by a lawyer, who said the policy did not violate the First Amendment.
Some students – who often dress in red and white, paint their faces, and call themselves the Dog Pound – don’t agree.
“That’s terrible and an infringement on our freedom of speech,” Kendall Lyons, an 18-year-old sophomore who said he often takes part in the chants, told The Boston Globe. “Sports won’t be fun anymore.”
Tim Sullivan, a 20-year-old BU junior, said he doesn’t see how the school can enforce the new policy.
“The hard core fans … you’re not going to stop them … They’re going to kid out the whole (student) section.”
Elmore said ushers in the stands will listen and watch for violators.
AP-ES-09-12-06 1035EDT
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