The University of Colorado Boulder issued a statement condemning “the use of expletives and religious slurs” by fans during BYU’s 24-21 win over Colorado in Boulder.
The following statement from Chancellor Justin Schwartz and athletic director Rick George was shared on the university’s website and its X account late Sunday evening:
“The University of Colorado Boulder strongly condemns the use of expletives and religious slurs by individuals in the stands during the recent football game against BYU. Such behavior is deeply disappointing and does not reflect the values of respect, inclusion and integrity we expect of our campus community.
“Attending sporting events at CU Boulder is a privilege, and with that comes the responsibility to uphold our Fan Code of Conduct. The university and CU Athletics have a strict policy when it comes to abusive behavior, and those found to have engaged in conduct that is not consistent with our values are held accountable.
“CU Boulder is committed to fostering an environment where all individuals — students, staff, faculty, alumni, opposing fans and other visitors — feel welcome and safe. Discriminatory language and hostile conduct have no place at our athletic events or anywhere on our campus.
“We thank the majority of our fans who continue to support our teams with enthusiasm and respect. Together, we can ensure that CU Boulder events remain a source of pride and unity for our community and that visitors to our campus have a positive experience.”
The chants were “(Expletive) BYU” and “(Expletive) the Mormons.”
Sen. Mike Lee called out the chants in a post on X Sunday afternoon, asking if the university was “committed to making Latter-day Saint students ‘feel [like] they belong’?”
Lee wrote in another post that he’s “not sure” why such chants “have become far too common at BYU’s away games.”
“Funny thing — the host schools generally don’t seem to be the least bit concerned about it, even though all of them have many Latter-day Saints enrolled as students.”
BYU Athletics responded to Colorado’s statement Monday morning on social media.
“We denounce all forms of religious discrimination & appreciate (University of Colorado Boulder)’s example in rooting out these inappropriate actions. We invite all to showcase their fandom with enthusiasm & respect,” BYU said.
This is not the first time such chants have been used at BYU road games, nor the first time a university has apologized for such actions.
Earlier this year, the University of Arizona’s athletic director apologized for fans using the same chant when BYU basketball beat Arizona 96-95 at Arizona’s McKale Memorial Center, as the Deseret News previously reported.
Providence, USC and Oregon have also previously apologized for incidents.