University of Virginia Library

Pep Band Discontinues
'Dixie' Playing At Events

By Brian Siegel
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

Following an informal speech by D.
Alan Williams, Vice President for Student
Affairs, and a lengthy discussion, the
University Pep Band voted Tuesday night
to discontinue the playing of Dixie at all
future events.

The motion was passed by a
two-thirds majority and will remain in
effect indefinitely.

Mr. Williams was invited to the
meeting by Pep Band President Steve
Mershon. The purpose of his talk was "to relate
experiences which no one else could possible
know on the controversy over the playing of
Dixie," according to Mr. Mershon.

Mr. Williams' involvement with student
affairs and with the Student Activities
Committee has brought this controversy to his
constant attention.

Mr. Williams approached the problem with
observations as a historian. He commented on
the meaning of Dixie to various groups and the
concern of the black students at the University.

He said, up to this time the effect on the
athletic program of the playing of Dixie has
been largely academic. This year, however,
there are blacks on both the varsity and the
first-year team, he added.

Mr. Williams also pointed out that the
playing of Dixie could create ill will between
the band and the student body since the
playing of Dixie by the Pep Band is a group
action as opposed to the waving of Confederate
flags which are individual expressions of speech.

Despite University requests of visiting bands
not to play Dixie, it was played twice during
football season, once each at the VMI and
William & Mary games.

Mr. Williams said that a dozen to a score of
blacks have come to talk to him about Dixie
and the Confederate flag this year.

Following Mr. Williams, a motion was
introduced to resolve that the Pep Band should
continue to play Dixie.

One speaker in favor of the motion
suggested that the "blacks and liberals should
respect the feelings of the other side. He added,
"Dixie is the best song we got and it is not a
bigoted, racist song. I feel repressed by not
playing Dixie."

Paul Ochenkowski, president of the Concert
Band and former president of the Pep Band,
brought up the question of the interests of the
organization.

Last year the Pep Band received $90 from
the Student Activities Fund when they
requested $900. Although the playing of Dixie
supposedly had no influence on this decision,
the fact was brought up at the appeal before
Student Council according to Mr.
Ochenkowski.

The Concert Band president added, "As for
self-interest: The playing of Dixie appeals to
the old University spirit. How much of this is
left?"