Some Goshen students remain patriotic and support The Star-Spangled Banner
For fans gearing up to watch sporting events at Indiana’s Goshen College, they will no longer have to hear The Star-Spangled Banner. In fact, the board of directors agreed to no longer play the most patriotic of songs during any sporting event as its lyrics go against the school’s pacifist traditions. The board believes the song is inappropriate because it puts country over God and goes against the non-violent beliefs of the Mennonites.
Prior to the ban, the college allowed the instrumental version of the song, but now agreed to rid of it in its entirety. To temper those displeased with the decision, the Mennonite college will find alternative ways to honor the men and women serving our country.
The board issued the following statement:
“…resolved that the board is committed to advancing with President Brenneman the vision for Goshen College to be recognized as an influential leader in liberal arts education with a growing capacity to serve a theologically, politically, racially and ethically diverse constituency both with and beyond the Mennonite Church.
“As a result of a thoughtful, thorough, prayerful period of listening, learning and discerning, it is the board’s judgment that continuing to play the national anthem compromises our ability to advance the vision together. As a result, the president should find an alternative to playing the national anthem that fits with sports tradition that honors the country that resonates with our core values and that respects the views of diverse constituencies.”
It appears the board is going the wrong way with this. The Star-Spangled Banner is about honoring the country and everything our forefathers sacrificed, not about war and violence. The college will undoubtedly face public scrutiny regarding the board’s decision.
