n I know you will probably get letters from students angrily defending their right to swear regarding Anthony DiComo’s article (“New Arena Policy Bans Obscenity,” Sept. 11 p. 1). They are guaranteed, as yesterday’s paper already had a response from Nick Williams (“Blacked Out,” Sept 11. p. 12). While I agree with Williams on one point — bring Midnight Madness back — I agree more with Boston University Athletic Director Mike Lynch. BU students are certainly creative enough to come up with cheers to replace the vulgar ones. For example: Instead of yelling the longer form of “BS” — which isn’t often needed due to calls or non-calls, but I digress — use “We Disagree!” which has showed up a few times over the past couple of years. It’s not profane; rather, it is witty, amusing and still gets the point across. Instead of “F’em Up” in “The Song,” use the obvious “Rough ’em Up” or perhaps “Mess ’em Up.” As for “sucks,” I don’t think that needs to be changed. While it is not the best term, it’s in the public vernacular enough and not banned on TV or radio.

On another note, while Boston College is the preferred school of choice to use, try mixing in who the Terriers are actually playing, too. Instead of singing “The Song” in the sieve chant, just do the sieve chant. Adding it in to the sieve chant in the first place was unnecessary anyway.

Since adding in “The Song” was a relatively recent development within the past two or three years, this shouldn’t be too radical. Instead of “A-hole,” now it’s your turn, BU, if you want to keep a word to yell at players you don’t like.

As for those who think banning profanity will hurt participation and attendance, there are easy ways to avoid that pitfall that involve just a bit of work. If you truly care, contact Bain. Come up with some creative cheers — perhaps even new ones each game catered to that night’s opponent — and put them on a sheet to distribute before each game in Sections 118 and 108. Put a few of the standards together — the new, revised version of “The Song,” for example — and get them in the FreeP. Most importantly, get students to come to games other than just BC. The Merrimacks and Northeasterns of the world need taunting, too.

Theresa Spisak

COM ’05

Spisak is a former Section 8’er