So the university is only concerned about black attendance? OK. I hate when people play the race card. It often clouds their ability for reasonable thinking.Let’s just stop beating around the bush when UL’s Athletic Department or whoever complains about lack of game attendance, they are referring to Black people and just because we are a PWI does NOT mean cater to just one race! UL wants to preach about diversity but. nvm
— kamaiya. (@djbabykayyy_) September 13, 2019
I’ll just be honest and say that if I was Dr. Maggard I wouldn’t exactly know how to respond to this. The issues being raised on Twitter this week are overwhelmingly coming from black students. I would hope Dr. Maggard will be able to reach out to various on campus organizations led by black students and leaders and engage them in a productive discussion about their concerns. Only problem is: most productive discussions do not stem from inaccurate attacks which is how this whole ordeal started.
I do not envy the POA in this situation. Many complaints stem from the atmosphere not being “lit” like at SU or LSU. I understand the writer for the Vermilion mentioned not actually needing the band to play “Neck.” However, take a look at the comment section of any LSU video of their band playing “Neck.” It will be filled with commenters from the HBCU’s claiming cultural appropriation and theft from the black bands’ traditions. The HBCU bands have a wonderful tradition that cannot and honestly shouldn’t be replicated as it’s theirs and unique to those institutions. It’s seems like a bit of a political minefield and “Damned if You Do, Damned if You Don’t” situation to me. It’s a fine line to walk when you have to worry about upsetting 1. the older fans if you change the music 2. the younger fans if you don’t change the music or 3. the younger fans who will cry thievery if you too blatantly adopt the sound of other bands.
Truly I don’t envy anyone associated with the university who will be tasked with navigating this situation. However, our black students and student athletes are obviously important to the future success of this university. If they feel unheard or attacked, our administration should take time to listen. I definitely can’t fault Jay or Dr. Maggard’s initial responses to the article. If you converse with someone, you have a decent chance of a dialogue. If you attack someone, they will either defend themselves or attack back.