CNHI News Service

GOSHEN, Ind. — After studying the issue for a year, Goshen College will no longer play the "The Star-Spangled Banner" at school-sponsored functions.

The decision, which school officials described as a complex one, marks a return to the previous policy, but only after a surveying about 4,000 alumni, faculty and students.

Reasons people opposed the playing of the anthem included the idea that Goshen College was ignoring its Mennonite identity — that allegiance should be to Christ rather than country — the importance of history and tradition and the importance of non-conformity to the dominant culture, the report stated.

Richard Aguirre, director of public relations at Goshen College, said the issue wasn’t about patriotism.

"I think some in the media... have framed it as a debate between those who love country, who honor the military and respect the sacrifice of those who served in the military, and America haters on the other side," he said. "Not only is that an inaccurate framing of the issue, but it’s an offensive one to people who on this campus have in fact served in the military or had relatives who did, but for reasons of conscience don’t support playing the anthem."

Reasons people supported the anthem included that it was a way to show respect for country, to welcome and show respect for non-Mennonite students, to improve community relations and to increase enrollment.

The college is now considering alternatives to playing the "Star-Spangled Banner," such as playing a different song like "America the Beautiful" or "This Land is Our Land." Another alternative could be to play the national anthem along with the anthem of another country, perhaps of an international student.

---
Details for this story were provided by the Goshen (Ind.) News.