‘Where’s Your Green Card’ Update: Southern Miss Takes Disciplinary Action Against Pep Band Students.
During a NCAA Basketball tournament in March, members of The University of Southern Mississippi Pep Band chanted “Where’s Your Green Card” at Angel Rodriguez, Kansas State freshman point guard. Rodriguez is Puerto Rican. It is common knowledge – or it should be – that Puerto Rico is a commonwealth and documents are not required because, well, Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship in 1917. In a statement, The University of Southern Mississippi said, “This is a teachable moment, not only for these students but for our entire student body and those who work with them.” Perhaps elementary level social studies and geography should be incorporated in Southern Mississippi’s curriculum.
The University of Southern Mississippi has completed a review of the incident that occurred during last Thursday’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament game and is taking disciplinary action against five members of its pep band.
The students have had their pep band scholarships revoked, have been removed from the band, and will be required to complete a two-hour cultural sensitivity training course this week.
“The students have been forthcoming, cooperative, contrite and sincerely remorseful. They acted rashly and inappropriately, and now see the gravity of their words and actions,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Joe Paul. “This is a teachable moment, not only for these students but for our entire student body and those who work with them.”
