BYU students respond to Oregon game chant

PROVO, Utah — Over the weekend, Brigham Young University took on the University of Oregon in an away game, but the home team’s chants are the main focus.

A video taken by a BYU fan has circulated on social media showing Oregon students repeatedly shouting a vulgar phrase toward the BYU team and fans.

The vulgar phrase was made against members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Oregon student section.

While the video has made its way across social media, it’s more than a retweet or favorite for BYU students.

Fan speaks out after filming derogatory student chant at BYU vs Oregon game

Sam Bird, a BYU student, said he followed the game closely.

“Obviously, it’s not cool,” Bird said.

He said the video serves as a tap on the shoulder for what is and is not healthy competition.

“There’s no place for that. For me, it just is a reminder for me not to say anything like that to anybody else,” Bird said. “Hate groups shouldn’t exist, whether it be religious, sexual orientation, or racism. I think there’s no place for any of it.”

Gov. Spencer Cox took to Twitter by retweeting the video over the weekend, saying, “Religious bigotry alive and celebrated in Oregon.”

Religious bigotry alive and celebrated in Oregon. https://t.co/l8BdsSJWu2

— Spencer Cox (@SpencerJCox) September 18, 2022

The University of Oregon released this statement in response:

“The University of Oregon sincerely apologizes for an offensive and disgraceful chant coming from the student section during yesterday’s game against Brigham Young University. These types of actions go against everything the university stands for, and it goes against the spirit of competition. We can and will do better as a campus community that has no place for hate, bias or bigotry.”

Tanner Sorensen, a BYU student, said he usually sits in the front row during home football games.

He agrees there is a way to have fun and compete that is, at its root, kind and inclusive.

“We want the team to do well, and we want the other team to do well, not hate ‘em or nothing like that. Just a good game,” Sorensen said.

The Oregon Pit Crew, the official student-run Twitter account for the student section, also issued an apology for what happened:

“To all @BYUfootball fans in attendance at today’s game, we would like to apologize for the actions of the students in attendance. We do not condone or support any hateful speech directed towards one’s religion and are ashamed of those who participated.”