Alabama has clarified that students who choose to boo President Trump while he attends Saturday’s game against LSU at Bryant-Denny Stadium will not be disciplined or risk losing their seats at future games.
The clarification comes after the school’s Student Government Association sent an email warning that seats at future games could be revoked for “organizations that engage in disruptive behavior.”
After the original statement led to backlash amid fears that Alabama students would face punishment for booing Trump, Student Government Association press secretary Jackson Fuentes issued a statement clarifying the situation.
“The SGA strongly affirms its belief in free speech and the rights of all students to express their opinions,” Fuentes said. “Today’s report erroneously assigned a political context to a message meant only to remind students about heightened security and the consequences of altercations or other behaviors unbecoming of a University of Alabama student, as defined in the Capstone Creed. We look forward to cheering on the Crimson Tide, alongside the student body, on Saturday afternoon.”
SGA vice president Jason Rothfarb, who wrote the original email that contained the “disruptive behavior” line, also issued a clarification.
“By disruptive behavior, we are asking students to be respectful to all students and staff and avoid altercations,” he said. “My email has nothing do with anyone’s First Amendment rights and I am sorry for any confusion. Please express yourself and especially your pride for the Tide.”
Regardless of discipline, it seems likely Trump may be booed at the game the same way he was at the World Series in Washington two weeks ago and last week in New York at a UFC event.
Saturday’s game between No. 1 Alabama and No. 2 LSU should be a good one.
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