This year, there were ample articles from various publications illustrating all the options that constitute as offensive Halloween costumes. This University of Wisconsin – Madison fan and Trump supporter clearly didn’t get the memo.
The college football fan donned a mask of President Barack Obama in a prison jumpsuit with a noose around his neck to Saturday’s University of Wisconsin v. University of Nebraska game.
His friend, who sported a mask of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, held the end of the noose.
At the @UWBadgers game and there is a man with a mask of President Obama and a noose. This is racism, why was this allowed into the stadium? pic.twitter.com/zKEqhdDYny
— 😏 (@woahohkatie) October 29, 2016
After sports-goers tweeted their disdain for the inappropriate display, the University of Wisconsin released a statement that many found to be controversial.
In the statement released via Twitter, the university called the costumes of the individuals involved “repugnant and counter to the values of the university,” even noting that “guest services” employees were sent to ask the individuals to “remove the offensive components of the costume,” to which they complied. However, the university also defended “the individual’s right to free speech.”
The statement reads, “UW Athletics’ policy regarding admission into the stadium with a costume stipulates that no one may be wearing a mask upon entering the facility. Once inside, it is permissible to wear a mask.
The costume, while repugnant and counter to the values of the university and athletic department, was an exercise of the individual’s right to free speech. The university also exercised its rights by asking the individuals to remove offensive parts of the costume.”
Many found the university’s lack of distinction between “free speech” and “hate speech” troubling.
@UWMadison @UWBadgers Lynching costume of this country's first AA pres, it's not free speech. It's hate speech. Go read a history book.
— Laura Davis (@lcdavis1) October 30, 2016
So Wisconsin is okay with hate speech. #GoodtoKnow https://t.co/meypr4Qta7
— Jen Bortz (@badgabbycat) October 30, 2016
@UWMadison @UWBadgers Hate speech is not the same as free speech. Stop sugar coating it.
— Rebecca Gelinas (@wanderlust5) October 30, 2016
And others felt that the university didn’t take enough action by simply asking the individuals to remove the “offensive components” of the costume.
@UWMadison @UWBadgers I am supremely disappointed. As an alumnus, I expect an apology for lack of ejection and a promise to eject next time.
— Brad Grzesiak (@listrophy) October 30, 2016
@UWMadison @UWBadgers should have kicked them out and banned them permanently. I'm a disappointed alum.
— Bad Hombre Adam (@adamkliegman) October 30, 2016
@UWMadison @UWBadgers he should have been removed. Disappointing choice of actions.
— Jason (@JZinQC) October 30, 2016
What are your thoughts regarding the university’s response?
