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Florida revives 'gator bait' cheer 6 years after it was banned because of 'racist imagery'
The cheer returned after more than six years, and fans greeted it with a raucous reception as clips of band rehearsals circulated online.
- On Saturday, the University of Florida revived its 'Gator Bait' cheer during the season opener against Florida Atlantic, ending a six-year ban implemented due to 'horrific historic racist imagery' concerns.
- Former Florida president Kent Fuchs banned the cheer in June 2020, citing 'horrific historic racist imagery' dating to the 19th century; many fans previously argued it was a tradition without racist intent.
- New school president Stuart Bell stated on 'The Frangie Show' that 'traditions matter,' describing the cheer as 'meaningful to the Gator family.' The band played the cue after Vernell Brown III's 49-yard touchdown gave Florida a 7-0 lead.
- Bell took over a university that eliminated all DEI positions in 2024 and reallocated $5 million in annual funds to faculty recruitment, following the Board of Governors' rejection of Santa Ono.
- Social media clips of the band practicing the tune this week anticipated the return, which occurred in the Swamp as Florida took a 7-0 lead amid a broader national reckoning on race.
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The Toronto StarReposted by 
NiagaraFallsReview.ca
NiagaraFallsReview.caFlorida revives ‘gator bait’ cheer 6 years after it was banned because of ‘racist imagery’
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The University of Florida revived its “gator bait” cheer Saturday night during its season opener, bringing it back more than six years after the school banned
·Toronto, Canada
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Winnipeg Free Press+4 Reposted by 4 other sources
Florida revives 'gator bait' cheer 6 years after it was banned because of 'racist imagery'
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The University of Florida revived its “gator bait” cheer Saturday night during its season opener, bringing it back more than six years after the school banned it because of
·Winnipeg, Canada
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left5Leaning Right0Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Center
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources are Center
55% Center
L 45%
C 55%
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