Let's get one thing straight.  The Boston University administration is not
regulating the behavior of individuals in this matter.  They have merely
decided to terminate the band's playing of a song which was subject to what
may be considered to be unacceptable lyricism by a group of students (I make
no apologies for grammar here).  The students have responded by continuing
the song a capella, and to my knowledge are not being targeted by anyone at
the University.  Don't underestimate the students; once a new tune comes
along, people will find a way to turn it around.
 
This is not the first time this has happened.  For many years BU's band
played a tune which is popular at many other schools.  The jingle ends with
the fans yelling GO BU! much like Michigan's and UNH's LET'S GO BLUE! and
Boston College's GO BC!  This tune was in fact the only selection in the
band's repertoire, when it seemed that the band did its rehearsing in Mugar
Library.  During the 1980's, students appended to the GO BU cheer, ending it
with BEAT BC, THEY S*CK S**T.  Needless to say, they don't play that song
anymore.
 
I am reminded of other areas of society who have taken measure of this
issue.  John Rocker has been a major focal point in the news lately, and
Major League Baseball is addressing it in ways which I disagree with
strongly.  OTOH, it is my understanding that this list is subject to
moderation, and anyone who used abusive language here in an inappropriate
manner would be subject to expulsion by the moderator (not to mention flames
from other subscribers).  I have no trouble with that.
 
I have no problem with BU's approach in this matter, and I don't wish to be
viewed as an apologist for its administration.  I am, however, an
administrator at another college in the Boston area (see .sig file).  We
face a similar dilemma, in that we view ourselves as being open to a wide
spectrum of viewpoints while at the same time being mindful and respectful
of others' sensitivities.  Freedom of speech has its limits.  If I ever
uttered the N word around here (which IMHO is more perjorative than the F
word), I could be certain that my employment here would be terminated.
Likewise, even though anyone over the age of 21 is empowered to drink
alcohol in Massachusetts, this institution like many others has determined
that drinking on campus has a detrimental effect on student life as a whole.
Prohibition was repealed in 1933, but at this school was reenacted two years
ago.  I don't agree with the decision, but I do agree that the College has a
right to impose whatever limitations it deems necessary in fulfilling its
obligations to its community.
 
I am also a parent of a 5 year old who loves to go to hockey games.  I have
a mouth like a sailor, but I keep it buttoned around the house, and I find
myself having to cover my son's ears whenever the chanting gets out of hand
at Walter Brown Arena.  I don't think I should have to do that, and whatever
measures a public institution takes to make a family outing more pleasant
and less vulgar is fine with me.
 
20 years ago I was one of those students who made those R rated remarks
after partaking in many cheap beers.  I never thought back then that I would
be making the kind of statement I am making today.
 
 
Edward N. Moller
Controller
Mount Ida College
Newton Centre, MA  02459-3323
Tel (617) 928-4515
Fax (617) 928-4746
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