Editorial | Hey Penn, you suck

There's a fine line between sportsmanship and oversensitivity.

It's called common sense.

Unfortunately, the Athletic department crossed that line when it decided to stop The Penn Band from playing the popular "Hey Song."

Officially titled "Rock and Roll Part 2," the song is a mainstay at Penn men's basketball games.

Late in the game, when it seems that the Quakers will win, the Band plays the song and fans replace the traditional "Hey!" refrain with "Hey, you suck!"

Athletic administrators argue that the song has elicited many complaints from alumni who bring younger children to the games.

While the phrase isn't the classiest of retorts, "you suck" ranks fairly low on the obscenity scale.

It's perfectly fine, of course, for school officials to insist on a certain level of conduct at games. Students shouting profanities or racist comments would certainly merit swift intervention by the Athletic department.

But the chant in question doesn't include any personal attacks or highly offensive phrases. It doesn't even single out any of the opposing players.

Instead, it fires up the fans, engages the crowd and captures the competitive spirit of the game.

So let the fans chant. And let the Band play on.

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