Education

‘Diversity’ and ‘Peace’ Lead Indiana College to Ban National Anthem

Diversity and Peace Lead Indiana College to Ban National AnthemGoshen College in northern Indiana is a small private school founded on the traditions of the Mennonite Church USA. That’s important because it means the school is pacifist. That’s also important because it helps explain why the school has just banned the National Anthem.

“The Goshen College Board of Directors announced today that it has asked President James E. Brenneman to find an alternative to playing the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ that fits with sports tradition, that honors country and that resonates with Goshen College’s core values and respects the views of diverse constituencies,” the college said in an announcement on its website.

“I am convinced that Goshen College is on a challenging and rewarding journey toward becoming a more diverse institution that serves an increasingly diverse community,” Brenneman added. “I am hopeful that this resolution will help Goshen College move forward together, and focus on finding new ways to welcome students from our local and regional community.”

“Goshen College has been and remains a ministry of Mennonite Church USA with an enduring peace tradition,” Carlos Romero, executive director of the Mennonite Education Agency and an ex-officio member of the Board, said. “The Board’s decision reflects a belief that faith and honoring country can co-exist without disturbing higher allegiances to God and that Goshen College will become increasingly diverse and will welcome diverse viewpoints.”

According to the release, the school has not played the National Anthem before sporting events since 1957. However, it was never officially banned. In fact, last year the school did allow for some renditions of the song to be played at certain times. But now, that’s been halted.

Reports say some at the school were upset that the song contains references to war and military might.

Comments (253)

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  • wbraunlich
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:28am

    This doesn’t suprise me. It doesn’t make me happy either. My nephew graduated from a Menonite “Christian” school and didn’t have an American Flag anywhere in the school, never sang the National Anthem before any home games, etc. After the second home game and asking the woman at the ticket counter why (answer was not satisfactory) I attended only away games from that day forward.

    Report Post »  
  • miles from nowhere
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:26am

    The rest of the country should abandon this college, what a bunch of ungrateful people. The sick and blind leading the sick and blind.

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  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:26am

    No excuses for these dense idiots. I hope I never meet any of them; I sure hope I don’t know anyone going there.

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  • lynnissmart
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:24am

    This makes me sick….not proud of the National Anthem….won’t play it….watch your membership drop to “0”…it’s what you deserve for being un-American…..get out of this country!

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    • Hoosierchap
      Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:38am

      @ Lynnissmart…
      I totally agree! This decision is unbelievable and I hope they suffer the consequences. I can‘t believe there won’t be some blow-back from this,as Indiana is a very patriotic State. Losers! I wouldn’t send any of my relatives to this un-American institution!

      Report Post » Hoosierchap  
  • ENTITLEMENTSBLOW
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:24am

    Really getting tired of this garbage, go away if you dont like our country!

    Report Post » ENTITLEMENTSBLOW  
  • commonsenseguy
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:22am

    well,don’t come crying and with your commie hands out when you start losing students and tuition,go calling to your commie anti american buddies to fund your idiotic agenda, so good luck and good riddance . what a shame, how do people let their kids attend these colleges,knowing that they are anti american??? wake up people,we must turn this ship around,we are taking on water at a high rate,if we don’t get her turned around and get her fixed,we will lose her for good to the deeps of the communist seas.

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  • neverending
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:21am

    IWhen the flag and the national anthem offends these morons why don’t they just get out of here because they really offend us.

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  • Kerri g
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:21am

    Diversity? This is America. We have a National Anthem, We have a national flag. Not only are they taking God out of this society, they are taking America out of America.

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    • Kitsune
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 11:14am

      And why shouldn’t they? They play to win. They’re active. They don’t sit on their hands and expect God to step in and fix it all for them. You always says that God helps those who help themselves. Well, you’re not helping yourselves. You’re just sitting on your hands and letting the Progressives take everything they want.

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  • bill oswald
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:18am

    If Goshen College and others do not like our American trditions then why don’t they get the hell out and go to Canada.

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    • dmforman
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:23am

      Why do they take government funded student loans, so that students can attend. If the government is so bad, than they also shouldn’t accept government funded student loans, and any other government funding/grants that universities and professors can earn.

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    • jeronadams
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 11:50am

      If you dont like America why dont you get the hell out; they’re just as american as you. Just because people do not agree with you doesnt make them unamerican. We didnt even have a national anthem until the 30′s.

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    • stogieguy7
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 12:47pm

      If the Mennonites hate America so much, they should leave and go somewhere to be with others who share the same interests. Such as Pakistan or Iran or Yemen. They’d love it there.

      Idiots.

      Report Post » stogieguy7  
    • Bear
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 1:02pm

      JERONADAMS,,What the F***?

      They might be American,,but just as American as me?? Just because you were born or live hear doesn’t make you a good American! Do they fight for my freedom or “die” for it like many Great Americans already have,or even I would be willing to do for them? I thought their point was that they are not going to give their ‘ Allegiance ’ to the Country or its flag? How does that make them a Good American if they are separating themselves from America and not honoring its Anthem Moron? If they don‘t want to engage in defending freedom then don’t disrespect the ones doing your fighting for you! Does this mean they do not honor our men and women in the Military and their ‘ Diverse ’ point of view but will honor a Muslims ‘ Jihad ’ point of view because it is not sung at football games??? Are they going to stop using the Bible at their college for referring to thousands of wars and to kill entire villages,men,women,daughter and son In their‘ so called’ Diversity, If they are good Americans and tell me my anthem is violent and can’t be used for telling a story of our past how much more so the Scriptures are violent and should be shunned,,is it A good American that is Hypocritical? Are they allowing college students point of view through the National Anthem to be expressed? Just as you might say their are dirty Cops sometimes, our Country has gotten used to putting up with dirty Americans that no longer deserve to be honored themselves Moron

      Report Post » Bear  
  • Rickfromillinois
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:18am

    My Grandfather was a Mennonite minister prior to World War two. Even prior to Pearl Harbor he broke away from the Mennonite doctrine and preached that the United States should go to war against the Axis powers due to the some of the stories that were coming out about the Rape of Nanking and the way that the Germans were treating the Jews although noting about the Death Camps had come out as yet. He was greatly troubled by his decision, but as he told me, sometimes there are things that are so wrong that people have to fight to stop it.
    I have always thought it a little hypocritical that an avowed pacifist would not hesitate to call an armed person, i.e. a police officer, if someone breaks into their house. It doesn’t occur to them that the first thing the police officer is going to do if he enters a residence where there is an intruder is draw his weapon, and that he is prepared to use it if necessary? I can assure everyone that if a police officer feels it is required to discharge his weapon he will not be aiming to shoot the intruder in the foot. He will be shooting to kill.

    Report Post » Rickfromillinois  
  • jamesc4
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:16am

    This just doesn’t make any since to do this. Our pledge of allegiance talks about freedom and peace for all. Why would they take that out?

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    • Marylou7
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 11:00am

      People who aren’t willing to fight for freedom need to move to a country such as China, Iran, etc. MOVE!!

      Report Post » Marylou7  
  • mankind7375
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:16am

    So they have not played it since 1957 according to the story, so what made them want to make it “official” all of a sudden, and why make it so public that they are doing it.

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  • NuffSaid
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:16am

    “Carlos” is a Mennonite? Do they have some “Moham’s?”

    We don’t care what you play with before your sporting events, Carlos.

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  • Hiswill
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:15am

    It’s war and military might that allows them to practice their way of life. Be pround and grateful to those that have fallen to uphold the rights of freedom you all enjoy today. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

    Report Post » Hiswill  
  • jamesc4
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:15am

    I don’t agree with their action to do this. Within our national anthem talking about peace and freedom for all so I am not sure why would do this. I think they should really reconsider it.
    Attorney in Orlando florida

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  • bobmontgomery
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:14am

    So the peace-lovers don’t want to hear anything which might evoke a vision of war, but they want ‘diverse viewpoints’? Well, oxymorons, we betcha your overtures to ‘diversity’ would probably include sharing the Islamic experience with God on your campus, wouldn’t it? Ever heard of Jihad?

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  • let us prey
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:14am

    More diversity?

    Report Post » let us prey  
  • SON OF JEFFERSON
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:13am

    A private school has that right , I just wish they didn’t

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  • adept316
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:13am

    Wow……just wow.

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  • Eric_The_Red_State
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:11am

    A company in Goshen that used to make things to help people with bad legs walk and things to hold tents down.,,,, but they stopped making them because they believe in the separation of Crutch and Stake

    Report Post » Eric_The_Red_State  
  • Untameable-kate
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:11am

    It is a private school and can do as it pleases. Still, a sad state of affairs.

    Report Post » Untameable-kate  
  • lcam67
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:08am

    Just keeps getting better all the time…….NOT

    Report Post » lcam67  
  • loadingmyclips
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:08am

    I’m so ashamed of these squareheads. Don‘t they realize that if it weren’t FOR this country their mennonite horse ridin’ as* would have been gone long ago. and don’t tell me that it is only the Amish that ride horses. I’ve lived around both for decades.

    Report Post » loadingmyclips  
    • Robert-CA
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 11:44am

      They‘re make a good point here the US National Anthem shouldn’t be played in Pakistan .
      OH WAIT … !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      if they‘re so ashamed or if the US National Anthem is bothering them so much there’s like hundreds different countries that don’t play the US National Anthem , so be my guest & bye bye .

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
  • ds7
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:07am

    Blame America first.

    Don’t you love the PC idiocy of concepts like “diversity.”

    Report Post » ds7  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:21am

      Agreed…this is the way the liberals always divide and conquer; they work to split up things, the use of ‘diversity’ when our nation was built on the concept of the Great American Melting Pot, where all are Americans first, and the cultural inputs from the immigrants and those born here add the various flavorings and spices to the brew that make it all the more greater.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Untameable-kate
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:50am

      This will become the new ‘cool’ pc thing to do and other indoctrination centers will be slapping themselves on the forehead and implementing this rule asap.

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
    • Jenny Lind
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 12:23pm

      Think! They nust need new students, so how do you advertise?

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    • ginny2shoes
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 12:51pm

      @bigjayinpa – you are 100% correct, couldn’t agree more. Well spoken

      Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:07am

    Adios, “amigos”. You are toast….burned toast.

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    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:11am

      I don‘t see why you can’t remain a pacifist and still play our National Anthem. What does it have to do with fighting, other than witnessing a battle?
      I think your college membership will dry up, good luck.

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:12am

      I think they are too close and have been infected with the “Chicago Way.”

      Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:14am

      Grandma, if you wish to join me in making toast I can get a flamethrower for the bread.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Untameable-kate
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:15am

      Cowards. Afraid that they might hurt someones’ feelings and there might be some yelling or a protest or something scary like that.
      A bunch of losers who roll over on their backs and pee all over themselves at the thought of conflict.
      Within their rights as a private institution, but still, unbelievable.

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:18am

      Diversity schmirsity.

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:21am

      This is a privet religious school…They do have the right to ban anything they want, even tho I DO NOT AGREE with them.

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • BIGJAYINPA
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:27am

      I really don’t mind Pacifists. I respect them for their conscience and values. If someone is truly a pacifist such as the Amish, The Mennonites, the Quakers etc. I can agree with that. The only thing that ticks me off is that every once in a while it would be nice if the sheep could thank the Sheepdog for keeping the wolves away so they can peacefully graze…..just saying.

      Report Post » BIGJAYINPA  
    • lcam67
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:28am

      Classic Honeymooners line “ OH CARLOS IS TEACHING YOU TO MAMBO ” Now Carlos is teaching “diversity” and “peace”. Even Jackie Gleason is rolling over .

      Report Post » lcam67  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:29am

      Yes, war and military might. In DEFENSE of our country. The national anthem came from the war of 1812 where our shores were being attacked.

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • The Big Pickle
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:32am

      America is only one generation away from being majority non White. Be prepared to say “GOODBYE” to the America you knew as a kid.

      The only thing that can save America is World War III because we would have to stop ALL immigration from third world immigrants or Civil War II.

      Report Post » The Big Pickle  
    • hud
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:33am

      They have this ability to ban anything they want to, and since Federal aid is not a right, we the people should deny Federal aid to the students. Tit for tat.Your rights our rights, etc etc

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    • sissykatz
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:43am

      BigjayinPa

      I love what you wrote. These fools do not realize how and why they can remain pacifist.God Bless the Soldiers !!!!!! I think sometimes it may be nice for all the one’s opting out of Patriotic things if we could somehow “Opt out of protecting them along with the Patriotic”. I hope their enrollment depletes to zero.

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    • grandmaof5
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:48am

      Pull your kids out, if you don’t agree, and save your hard earned money, if you don’t agree. Money is the only thing these colleges care about, other than getting their political messge out. Shut them down.

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    • Edct
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:54am

      Unamerican unchristian morons….tell everyone NOT to ever send your kids to this place.

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    • HUGGINGMYBABIES
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:54am

      BUT….you can battle an oponent in a sporting event….interesting. Aren’t most sporting events aggressive? I‘d think they wouldn’t have anything, incuding Chess Club which can be a pretty heated battle, from a geek’s stand point.

      Report Post » HUGGINGMYBABIES  
    • DTOM_Jericho (escaped PA)
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:55am

      This makes total sense actually; because none of the Psalms are of a “non-peacful” nature.

      Report Post » DTOM_Jericho (Creator vindicator)  
    • sissykatz
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 10:56am

      Here is their email adddress http://wwwhttp://www.goshen.edu/feedfeedback.php. I cannot get it to highlight so it wll link..
      I just told them I wish the Military could opt out of protecting their rights to do this. Things like this just make me sick.They have been doing this or not doing this since 1957 I hope now with this anouncement their enrollment drops to zero.

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    • joe conservative
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 11:01am

      I think they’re on their way to failure. People (even some on the left) are getting sick of the anti America message in our schools. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF5CL4gmeOw It’s all part of the indoctrination process in the school system.

      Report Post » joe conservative  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 11:08am

      Er, supreme court?

      First ammendment?

      Hope they plan on not receiving any federal dollars, too.

      I DO suspect, however, they are failing fast and they know it, so they are trying anything to ‘broaden their tent’, desperate for student enrollment.

      SMACKS of desperation.

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • Wayner
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 11:17am

      If it wasn’t for men and women willing to fight… this group might not have the freedom to decide anything…. do they ever think about that?

      Report Post »  
    • Bear
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 11:25am

      I am an Atheist and I would fight for the right for them to have their stupid view of religion! ‘ References to war? ” not **** Sherlock,a battle that took place is alluded to in the song, kinda like the Bible alludes to several thousand battles in telling a story of the past! Are you going to ban the Bible for references to war,some that are as heinous as things Hitler ordered his faithful to do!!Like God telling the Hebrews to not just kill the Soldiers of an enemy tribe but to kill the wives, sons and daughters,,, to leave nothing alive??? HeLL the Bible even says Jesus is coming back to kick some aSS some day at the “”" GREAT WAR OF ARMAGEDDON!! “” Hypocrites! If you remove the National Anthem, it’s your right as free men to do so,but then your Students and your school should receive no Federal funding or student aid from the Great Satan that you have aligned yourselves against with the Radical Muslims to dishonor and bring down,,go learn your stupid ways and hide in shame and pay for it with your own dime you Stupid,Liberal,Hippie Morons!

      Report Post » Bear  
    • drattastic
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 11:48am

      @BIGJAY
      Well put Sir.

      Report Post » drattastic  
    • pfmwilly
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 11:52am

      I;m getting sick and tired of our schools being so unamerican. Our very way of life is being challenged everyday and we don’t seem to care. We need to stand up and tell them……..NO. Our traditions are their for a reason. We must never forget who we are and where we all came from. Diversity is a good thing to have, but using diversity as an excuse to stop our traditions is simply wrong.

      Report Post »  
    • mill
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 11:53am

      As long as they support themselves, great. no public funding….

      Report Post »  
    • Wayne
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 12:17pm

      I would likie to tell all these non-americans that if you don’t like the way the USA is GET OUT…………

      Report Post »  
    • TheVOR
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 12:35pm

      To take action, see my post about half-way down page 4.

      I TOLD THEM!!!

      Report Post »  
    • stogieguy7
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 12:43pm

      But I am sure that the Mexican national anthem would be greeted with cheers, And that would sum up the liberal mentality right there: everyone else in the world is better than us. Nations with traditions such as murder, wife beating, child abuse, theft, intolerance, etc are all to be lauded while the USA and our value system are considered evil,

      These people are twisted proof that we may not have really won the Cold War. As is our “president”.

      Report Post » stogieguy7  
    • nzkiwi
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 12:43pm

      I met some mennonites when I was working in the US. Nice people, but they were a bit odd.

      Report Post »  
    • carnifex
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 12:48pm

      Sargent Alvin York is rolling over in his grave. I think its possible to hold 2 thoughts in your head at once. You probably can stay a pacifist and a patriot at the same time. I don’t know enough about the Mennonites to say whether they hold that God is the only thing needs be honored or not. I do respect their adherence to their religious beliefs though. They put their money where their mouth is. Islam could learn a whole lot about tolerance from the Amish, and Mennonites.

      Report Post » carnifex  
    • CatB
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 12:50pm

      As long as they take NO TAXPAYER funding fine and dandy .. but if even ONE student gets any form of government aid .. then NO! I would stand and sing it myself … I wouldn’t let the school stop me!

      TEA!

      Report Post »  
    • Cherynn
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 1:27pm

      What an embarrassment to my state. If you dont like this country, please pack your crap up and leave it.

      Report Post » Cherynn  
    • cemerius
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 1:54pm

      This “college” is in the United States of America???? Glad to see that all those that sacrificed for them so they can do this is so honored by them! My Great Grandfather was a pacifist but still wanted to honor his Country. He joined the Navy and was a Corpsman for the Marines never carried a weapon but helped all those he could…..Not a mennonite but a Free Methodist……

      Report Post » cemerius  
    • _waTson_
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 2:02pm

      read study learn about the liberals, Agenda 21

      Report Post » _waTson_  
    • mikem1969
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 2:20pm

      More leftist PC BS destroying this country and everything that makes it great.

      Report Post »  
    • APatriotFirst
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 2:36pm

      Use America the Beatiful instead

      Report Post »  
    • GODSAMERICA
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 3:05pm

      First if the Mennonite Church USA doesn’t either fix the stupidity of the wackos running this school or at least separate it and let it be known that they have nothing to do with this school any more then we must presume that the Mennonites agree with this church being anti-American and ostracize it out of existence. Also, anyone that is pro-American needs to transfer from this “school” and go to a school that is Pro-American, otherwise, any graduate of this school will be known for being as anti-American as the school is.

      Report Post » GODSAMERICA  
    • starman70
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 3:21pm

      I honor the religious beliefs of the Mennonites but don’t they realize the courage and heroism portrayed in our National Anthem is just what allows them to pursue their beliefs of pacificism?

      Let them try to be pacifist in Iran, Iraq, or any other Arab nation. They would be branded traitors and shot or hanged.

      Report Post »  
    • Meyvn
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 5:45pm

      Doesn’t surprise me, but it’s sad and pathetic. Northern Hoosiers are weird folk. I think too much Chicago has rubbed off on them. They may as well be from another state. They aren’t like most Hoosiers.

      Report Post » Meyvn  
    • jhaydeng
      Posted on June 7, 2011 at 9:12pm

      Dumb

      Report Post »  
    • smithclar3nc3
      Posted on June 8, 2011 at 9:15am

      So long as that school doesn’t take one student on a government voucher (via tax dollars) they can do what they want. the moment they take one penny from U.S. TAX PAYERS they better change that policy.

      Report Post »  
    • FuturePresident
      Posted on June 9, 2011 at 2:56pm

      Here is where America is going wrong, you dont “help diversity” or “promote freedom” by banning anything. All these recent “bans” are making me sick to my stomach. They arent banning stuff to make people free. they are banning stuff to subjugate us and divide us.

      Report Post » FuturePresident  
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