Published: November 12, 2008 11:24 am      

Conservative radio host upset with no-anthem policy at GC

Goshen College found itself catching a bit of national attention this week after an Elkhart man became upset about a school policy.

“I don’t want to cause a big stink about it. I didn’t think it would escalate to this,” Ron Desimone said.

The policy in question is the school’s decision to omit the national anthem at sporting events. In an e-mail to GC Athletic Director Tim Demant, Desimone said he was “very surprised” that the anthem was not played at a ladies basketball game he attended.

“A prayer was said, which I thought was a very nice gesture, but how can the national anthem of the United States not be played?” he wrote.

Demant’s response pointed out part of the history behind the decision, which was made when the school was first founded 114 years ago.

“While I understand that this is a very controversial issue, even on our own campus, most everyone at Goshen College deeply loves this country and is thankful for the blessings of citizenship, blessings to which Mennonites have deeply contributed their labor and dedication,” Demant wrote back.

After other e-mails from Desimone went unanswered, he chose to begin notifying media organizations, hoping to bring some light and discussion to the issue. Among those he contacted were heavyweight conservatives Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, the National Athletics International Association — of which the college is a part and syndicated New York City-based conservative radio talk show host Mike Gallagher.

In response to Desimone’s contact, Gallagher first mentioned the issue Friday. Representatives from the show contacted the college and were referred to GC Vice President for Student Life Bill Born, who was happy to go on the show Monday and explain the college’s position.

Tuesday morning, Gallagher again brought up the college in his statements, going so far as to add a bulletin on his Web site urging listeners to call GC and tell the administration they want the national anthem played before sporting events. The bulletin included the college’s general phone number, fax number and the e-mail address of GC President Jim Brenneman.

“It did strike me as a little bit unfair that Goshen College didn’t have a chance to respond today,” GC Director of Public Relations Richard Aguirre said.

According to Aguirre, they received between 250 and 300 calls and e-mails Tuesday regarding the issue. Most of the calls were from out of state.

“Having heard what Mike Gallagher’s perspective was, they seem to be people who share his perspective,” Aguirre said, adding that “there have also been some e-mails and calls of support.”

Local businessman and former candidate for the Indiana State Senate seat in District 12 Jim Erb has his own opinion about the practice.

“As a conservative Republican, I believe it’s their right and I like our freedom. I grew up Mennonite, my grandpa was a Mennonite preacher. Not everybody has their opinion. I disagree with their opinion not to play the national anthem, but that’s their right,” he said.

Erb listens to WSBT 960AM, which broadcasts Gallagher’s show every day. He was listening when Born was interviewed and was impressed with his responses.

“There are a lot of things that go on on college campuses that are a lot worse and far more important to our country than not playing the national anthem at sporting events,” Erb said.

As for Desimone, he has intervened as far as he plans to, having achieved his goal of raising awareness. He had a conversation with Born Friday, during which he told Desimone he would talk to other administrative employees and the president of the school to revisit and re-evaluate the school’s position.

“That’s fine, that’s all we can ask,” Desimone said. “I’m just standing up for what I hope a lot of other people would do as well.”

According to Historymania.com, “In 1916, Woodrow Wilson ordered that ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’ which is the national anthem, be played at military occasions. Two years later, in 1918, the song was first played at a baseball game — in the World Series, the band started an impromptu performance of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ during the seventh-inning stretch. The players and spectators stood at attention, took off their hats and sang, giving rise to a tradition that is repeated at almost every professional baseball game in the United States today.”