Wear Blue and Voice Your Opinion on the Sign Ban

On October 1, 2008, in News, by Matt

Photo by Jon Campbell, ESPN

While the recent Sign Ban has been getting a lot of local and even national attention, we want to hear what you think.

Stand Up: Wear blue at Saturday night’s game. If you don’t have blue, anything but orange will do.

Step Up: Take the poll and then view the results to see how others in the University community feel.

Speak Up: What are your thoughts on the Sign Ban? How should StudCo get involved? What should the Athletics Department do? Leave a comment so others can hear your voice.

Should the Sign Ban be overturned?

No, I think it was a fair decision. (3%, 26 Votes)
Yes, bring back the signs. (97%, 872 Votes)

Total Voters: 898

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For five weeks, the Athletics Department has failed to address student concerns over the sign ban. Despite persistent requests to reconsider, today the AD affirmed that the ban is consistent with promoting a “positive gameday environment.” We disagree. In response, StudCo, Hoo Crew, and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee encourage you to participate in Power of Students Night at Scott Stadium this Saturday as we extend the protest against the sign ban. As with the white paper four weeks ago, our message will only be clear with high participation.

In recent years, the Athletics Department has been steadily imprinting its own brand upon UVa sports. Beginning in 2003, it told students what to wear in instituting the “Sea of Orange;” 2008’s ban on signs, flags, and banners is a bold step toward controlling what we say. By vacating the student section of “official” orange wear, we can make it clear that we will no longer buy into their vision of what makes a “positive gameday environment.” Wearing our other school color allows us to send that message, while continuing to support our team in a critical conference game.

Media Coverage:

Please, no signs allowed that might make the coach feel sad.