Having attended many BYU events over the year, I was occasionally embarrassed by the way our fans sometimes behaved. The throwing of popcorn, the guy jumping out of the stand and tackling a Ute male cheerleader (who then beat the crap out of the offender) and the dumping of a drink on some Ute fans who had been swearing the whole game, come to mind.
The Duke BYU women’s volleyball match recently made headlines. I was proud of how the institution handled the case after the fact, yet concerned with how they handled the issue as it was ongoing. Here is that statement.
Susan Portnoy was all over this, tweeting and retweeting the negatives, which is rightly a big story, if that is indeed what happened precisely. I don’t doubt for a moment that what this young woman said to her was what she felt was being said at the time. I also don’t doubt for a moment that race is still a major issue for some members within the church, especially given the last decade, past history, and the Southwest corner of Salt Lake County and the KKK. I just thought BYU in general needs to do better when it comes to issues on race and gender, as do we all.
I thought it odd that if this was happening, why didn’t the student section shut that person down? Trust me on this. BYU students when they see someone being targeted will generally do or say something to cause that abuse to stop.
These BYU women’s events are VERY loud, with the Cougars putting up attendance numbers routinely among the largest in the NCAA. One reason for that is the student pass getting one into the events for a very free date night. Because it is quite loud, it isn’t too easy to hear clearly what is being said.
I believe Richardson heard something that sounded like a racist slur, perhaps was for at least one time being said, and felt unsafe. BYU has addressed that sleight as best they could, and perhaps would have done so during the game if officials too had heard the slur.
No one should ever feel unsafe, especially in Provo, Utah.
Speak out when you see racist stuff, similar to how I have noting the abuse that these Ops dish out. If we all do it, those responsible either change their behavior or leave.