The University of Colorado Boulder’s Student Government has passed a resolution urging the Big 12 Conference to apply its fan conduct policies equitably after the conference has inconsistently reprimanded different universities for the same anti-Mormon chants shouted by fans during football games this fall.
In September, the Big 12 Conference and $50,000 fine to CU Boulder for “F— BYU” and “F— the Mormons” during a Buffaloes’ football game against BYU, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. University of Cincinnati fans shouted the same “F– the Mormons” chant in November during a football game against BYU, , but the Big 12 has not issued any fines against Cincinnati.
Senior and Student Body President Camden Sharkey said they’re not trying to excuse CU Boulder’s behavior at all. Rather, accountability must be enforced consistently across the Big 12 if a zero-tolerance policy against hateful and discriminatory language is to exist, Sharkey said.
“We do want to make sure we’re owning our conduct and language that happened, and thatap something we are very much not proud of,” he said. “We also want to make sure we are holding everyone to the same consistent standard.”
Similar chants by Oklahoma State fans during a men’s basketball game against BYU on Feb. 4 prompted the Big 12 to initiate an investigation into the fan conduct.
On Feb. 5, the CU Student Government resolution was passed.
Since then, the Big 12 issued Oklahoma State a $50,000 fine for the anti-Mormon chants, according to .
The CU Student Government resolution calls on the Big 12 to “consistently and equitably” enforce its zero-tolerance policy regarding hateful and discriminatory language. It urges Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark to fine and publicly reprimand the University of Cincinnati, or to return all money collected from CU Boulder for the BYU game fan-conduct fine, should the University of Cincinnati face no disciplinary fine.
“The Big 12 Conference is urged to release a statement detailing how actions that occurred at the University of Colorado and University of Cincinnati are different, warranting differentiated treatment under the Principles and Standards of Sportsmanship for the conference,” the resolution read.
In the resolution, CU Student Government also encouraged the Big 12 to use the money collected from such fines for a scholarship for student athletes on any team within the Big 12 who promote belonging and inclusivity on their team and campus at large.
The Big 12 did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
CU Student Government sent the resolution to Yormark, CU Boulder Chancellor Justin Schwartz and Athletic Director Fernando Lovo, in the hope that it’s something they can advocate for, Sharkey said. The goal of passing the resolution, he said, is to create a welcome environment at all Big 12 sporting events where everyone can be a fan without worrying about harassment or hateful language, regardless of their identity.
“I hope the resolution helps anyone feel more welcome at Big 12 sporting events,” Sharkey said.
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