University of Southern Mississippi takes punitive action against 5 students for racist chant
The University of Southern Mississippi has taken punitive action against five members of the pep band after they bellowed a racist chant at a Puerto Rican player during an NCAA tournament basketball game last week. The university has revoked their scholarships and they have been removed from the band. The university issued a statement on Tuesday saying that the five students “have been forthcoming, cooperative, contrite and sincerely remorseful.” 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.”
As the Puerto Rican Kansas State point-guard, Angel Rodriguez, shot free throws, several people were clearly heard chanting, “where’s your green card.” In conjunction with the other punishments, the five students are required to complete a two-hour training course on cultural sensitivity. Southern Mississippi’s president apologized to Rodriguez and told him that the chant was not a representation of the university. On Friday, Rodriguez said, “I heard it. I don’t pay attention to that nonsense, especially because Puerto Rico is a commonwealth, so we don’t need no type of papers. Their athletic director and personnel from their school came to apologize, and I accepted it.” The Kansas State Wildcats knocked the Southern Miss Golden Eagles out of the NCAA tournament with a score of 70-64. Kansas State advanced to the next round, but could not defeat Syracuse.