SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Student government leaders at the University of Utah are taking steps to change the school’s fight song amid concerns it is sexist.
The anthem should be as inclusive as possible, said Associated Students President Sam Ortiz, to honor diversity on campus.
“The U. does its best to change as our understanding of the world changes,” said Ortiz, a senior social work major. “In 2014, people are advocating for equality on all fronts, so hopefully this is a reflection of that change.”
His group and another student chamber on campus both passed a resolution in March to reconsider such lyrics as “our coeds are the fairest.”
Ortiz has been approached by one female student urging the changes, he said, but a broader group also supports the move.
Other students have proposed such adjustments as changing “I am a Utah man” to “I am a Utah fan.”
Ortiz drafted the resolution, which he says would prompt minor tweaks and no changes to the tune.
The song dates back to 1904, The Salt Lake Tribune reports, and once contained the lyric “We drink our stein of lager and we smoke our big cigars.” Officials replaced that part with the line referring to coeds.
University of Utah student Jackie Bafford, 21, told the Tribune (https://bit.ly/1jrxKQf ) she thinks women on campus see a need to upgrade that part of the song.
“I think that’s been something that’s gone through most girls’ minds,” she said. But, she added, “it would be hard to do. It’s so catchy.”
Bafford’s fellow student Becca West, 24, said few students on campus know the words.
“If no one cares,” she said, “why not change to make it more gender neutral?”
But Craig Murray, a 23-year-old English major, questioned what the new lyrics would be.
“You can’t say you want to change it without a valid idea,” he said. “It’s part of history.”
Season ticket holder Andrew Lawrence, 29, said altering the fight song could diminish its value.
“I think a lot of fans would just mock it,” he said, continuing, “it’s a pride thing. You’ve been doing it your whole life, and all of a sudden now you have to change what you’re saying?”
The school’s Alumni Association floated such tweaks years ago but decided to keep the current lyrics.
The proposal goes next to a diversity committee. It must be approved by the Academic Senate and board of trustees before it becomes final.
___
Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, https://www.sltrib.com
Please read our comment policy before commenting.