The University of Oregon has apologized after a group of fans attending the university’s Saturday football game against Brigham Young University were heard chanting a profanity-laced phrase mocking the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The Oregon Ducks’ 41-20 victory was overshadowed by controversy after video emerged of fans in the student section at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, repeatedly chanting “f*** the Mormons” during the game.
YESHIVA STUDENTS LASH OUT AFTER SCHOOL SUSPENDS ALL CLUBS FOLLOWING SUPREME COURT RULING
BYU was founded in 1875 by Brigham Young, the second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The university is still affiliated with the religious congregation.
Video of the chant caught the attention of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, who wrote, “Religious bigotry alive and celebrated in Oregon.”
Religious bigotry alive and celebrated in Oregon. https://t.co/l8BdsSJWu2
— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) September 18, 2022
On Sunday, the university issued a statement apologizing for the incident, calling it “offensive and disgraceful.”
“These types of actions go against everything the university stands for, and it goes against the spirit of competition,” the university said. “We can and will do better as a campus community that has no place for hate, bias or bigotry.”
These types of actions go against everything the university stands for, and it goes against the spirit of competition. We can and will do better as a campus community that has no place for hate, bias or bigotry. 2/2
— University of Oregon (@uoregon) September 18, 2022
Oregon Pit Crew, the Twitter account of the university’s student section, said in a tweet Saturday that it was “ashamed” of the chant and that it did not “condone or support any hateful speech directed towards one’s religion.”
To all @BYUfootball fans in attendance at todays game we would like to apologize for the actions of the students in attendance. We do not condone or support any hateful speech directed towards one’s religion and are ashamed of those who participated.
— Oregon Pit Crew (@OregonPitCrew) September 18, 2022
“To all BYU fans in attendance at today’s game we would like to apologize for the actions of the students in attendance,” the account said.
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown likewise condemned the chant, calling it “unacceptable” and that the people of her state “must do better.”
In Oregon, we strive to be a welcoming, inclusive state to all, regardless of race, religion, gender, or background. Our state and nation have an ugly history of discrimination and bigotry. The chant at yesterday’s Oregon-BYU game was unacceptable. We must do better. https://t.co/q8aDJ6IMmg
— Governor Kate Brown (@OregonGovBrown) September 18, 2022
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“In Oregon, we strive to be a welcoming, inclusive state to all, regardless of race, religion, gender, or background,” she said. “Our state and nation have an ugly history of discrimination and bigotry. The chant at yesterday’s Oregon-BYU game was unacceptable. We must do better.”
