Political correctness has reared its head at the University of Utah, where the student government voted Tuesday to change the words to the school’s fight song, “Utah Man,” because of what students say are racist, sexist connotations.
The resolution argues “Utah Man,” whose words ring out at football games and commencement ceremonies, “has language and themes that individuals on campus see as problematic and contribute to their feelings of exclusion from participating in campus traditions.”
It goes on to state two phrases that foster a culture of exclusivity and oppression.
a) The Title of the Song – The title “Utah Man” can be viewed as referring only to male members of the campus community.
b) Repetition of “Utah Man” throughout the song – can reasonably be interpreted as reminder of a status given to male students or men as representative of all students, even though many students at the University of Utah do not identify as men or being a man
c) The phrase “Our Co-eds are the fairest” in the Song- this phrase can be reasonably interpreted as objectifying women on campus while also supporting a hierarchy built on complexion and skin tone, privileging a light or “fair” appearance
Members of Associated Students of the University of Utah, the school’s governing body, passed the motion overwhelmingly. The fight song, a beloved tradition at the school, has been sung by students and alumni for more than 100 years.
A draft of potential changes will now be sent to university President Bill Pershing. The student legislators recommend changing the phrases “I am a Utah man” and “our coeds are the fairest” to “I am a Utah fan” and “our students are the brightest,” respectively.
“This song symbolizes other issues facing our campus,” ASUU President Sam Ortiz told the Daily Utah Chronicle, the university’s newspaper. “We face serious issues of racism and sexism. The fight song is not the cause, but it is parallel to the seriousness of those issues.”
While Pershing does not have to ratify the proposed changes, Ortiz said the vote was “symbolic.”
“We’re going to send a message today,” he said.
Though the student legislators hope to promote an “inclusive” environment, others argue the fight song does little to affect a student’s campus experience.
“I don’t think students come to the University of Utah for the fight song,” Ashley Newhall, a member of the student assembly, told the Deseret News. “I think people go to a college for the education.”
Others expressed outrage at the possibility of changing the song on the university’s Facebook page.
“I think it’s ridiculous and I am ashamed that the student government would do this just to [be] politically correct,” Jennifer Dolan Day wrote. “I will always be a Utah man and will never sing a different version.”
“If anything the song has made me feel more included in this institution,” Kimberly Esparza wrote. “Singing Utah Man after a touchdown and after the games makes me feel like I’m a part of the team, not just a fan. Being a Utah Man adds to the pride we feel for our school.”
Check out the lyrics to “Utah Man” here.
h/t The College Fix
