The University of Florida is discontinuing is infamous “Gator Bait” chant during athletic events.
According to the school, “there is horrific historic racist imagery associated with the phrase.”
Here are more details from 247 Sports:
The famous “Gator Bait” chant will no longer be performed by the Gator Band or anyone associated with the University Athletic Association.
Wrote Fuchs:
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“While I know of no evidence of racism associated with our “Gator Bait” cheer at UF sporting events, there is horrific historic racist imagery associated with the phrase. Accordingly University Athletics and the Gator Band will discontinue the use of the cheer.”
The cheer has frequently been used after a quick band intro, followed by fans chomping twice with their arms and cheering “Gator Bait.”
Discontinuing its use is just one of several steps Fuchs announced the university will be taking to address racism. Fuchs outlined three major areas of focus for change.
Education, research and community engagement
— UF will require training of all current and new students, faculty and staff on racism, inclusion and bias.
— UF’s Office of Research will make available this academic year competitive grants to faculty on topics of race, equity, justice and reconciliation.
— The 2020-21 academic year will focus on the Black experience, racism and inequity. Each of our colleges will feature speakers, seminars and courses. Led by faculty, we will also reevaluate and revise appropriate elements of our curriculum, including UF Quest.
— Student Government will join in this effort by organizing programs and speakers across campus, as with yesterday’s ACCENT speaker announcement.
— The UF Faculty Senate will organize Town Hall meetings and add a standing agenda item as part of their monthly Faculty Senate meetings.
— In UF’s spring semester, we will devote a day to community service and learning as guided by local leaders.
This is the chant in question:
