Princeton Band Provokes Angry Citadel Response

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Situations like this make you understand why we are in such a mess in this country...
People cannot acurately report facts with the open mindedness in which they happen. Instead, they choose to see things the way they want. Truth does not matter. No accountability and no responsibility...Princeton reports their version of this incident as if they were inocent little children who did nothing wrong. They claim that the bad bad Citadel students viciously attacked the poor little defenseless band...REALLY?
Well, grow up "kids." Get a life...
Step up to the plate and admit mistakes and failures. It will make you a better person,
which will lead lead to a happier, healthier, and more successful life...
ALL OF YOU are tomorrows leaders. Learn from this WORK TOGETHER to find out what truly went wrong. Learn from our divided generation. Everyone shared in a part of this display. Claim it and move on...

C of SC 8:57AM August 13, 2010

Interesting post as for me. It would be great to read a bit more about that topic.

PhillDoc of AL 8:05PM October 21, 2009

As a cadet at The Citadel, we did not know much about Yale, Harvard, Princeton and the Ivy League. All we knew was there was a memorial wall at Harvard listing the names of its alumni who died in battle. They did not list any of their alumni who died for the Southern Confederacy. They did however list one who died for Nazi Germany. That always seemed very strange to me.
I understand that the Princeton band has a reputation for outlandish, often vulgar behavior ("Yankee" humor?) ... no doubt compensating for a lack of talent. Fine. But, you don't take that sort of humor to the campus of The Citadel and march down the Avenue of Remembrance any more that I would go to Harlem in a Ku Klux Klan outfit.
I agree it was a culture clash, but alas, all is not lost. Think of the publicity the Princeton Band got; they must be real heroes up North.

William Northrop of NC 7:43PM March 19, 2009

The college's president, Lt. Gen. John W. Rosa, apology is interesting as he sets the tone for tolerance.
How do you think the Citadel "men" cadets treat the Citadel "women" cadets. Leadership??

audrey of MD 5:35PM February 07, 2009

Did you really expect more from Citadel? This exemplifies the schools apish reputation and was nothing less than expected. I would have hoped for a harsher reply from the school administration, but I guess the best of the military is currently being used, leaving the rest to teach. Bravo Citadel for making an overall bad band look good. I'm glad these are our future international peace keepers.

Joe Common Sense of VA 2:13PM October 31, 2008

I hope that all of the cadets at The Citadel don't behave like this, and that those who did anything but boo the band are severely punished.
I'm a Princeton graduate and the son of a retired Bird Colonel. I've met with many military officers, interviewed ex-military officers for jobs and been to West Point many times for football games (once as a player, and other times to watch).
I would be stunned if something like this happened at West Point. I'm sure they would have zero tolerance for this, and discipline, suspend or expel the cadets who beat, spit on or abused band members.
If someone's band at Princeton had been physically abused in this way, the university would likely suspend those students responsible, probably for a year.
The Citadel cadets responsible for this didn't follow a chain of command, but acted instead like vigilantes. These are the types who will do things that embarrass this country overseas. They should not be permitted to become military officers.

ad of VT 12:24PM October 22, 2008

to coin Lynard Skynard famous lyrics
"a southern man don't need you around anyhow"
Visit the South and act with respect and dignity - the courtesy will be amply returned. If you act irreverant towards the South (in this case, The Citadel), and you'll answer.

Michael B. Martin of NC 4:57PM October 09, 2008

As a Citadel Graduate I was genuinely interested in this incident and in reading the newspaper coverage of it I could not help but notice as usual there were two sides to the story. I generally viewed this as a culture clash. I wonder how things went when the hedonistic citizens of Athens mixed with the Spartan Hoplites? Evidently, not well since the ill will led to a civil war.
Good Ole Adam can sneer at the military and lecture us about leadership as if he has any leadership experience and insights to impart . The fact is some people just don't like each other and they choose to live and exist in a place they find comfortable and in synch with their values and ethos. One of things I learned when visiting foreign countries in my military career was to ensure you treat the nation and its citizens with respect and dignity. And to act as an ambassador for your nation.
Princeton's visit to the The Citadel for all intents and purposes was a visit to a "foreign country". Did the Ivy Leaguers act appropiately and treat the locals with respect and dignity. I think not. Did certain Cadets and other South Carolinians overreact and bring discredit upon the reputation of the school. Yes. Were they baited? Most certainly! This was bound to happen irregardless of the two institution's attempts to mitigate it.

Steve of TX 1:08PM October 04, 2008

As a graduate of The Citadel, I was looking forward to the meeting between Princeton and my Alma Mater on the gridiron - two old schools with strong traditions and alumni networks taking to the field to battle for points and yards.
I was appalled, however, when our guests from New Jersey attempted to make a mockery of our campus and its traditions with its "scramble band." What sort of institution promotes a "tradition" of obscene behavior and vulgar stunts?
My opinion of Ivy League schools is significantly reduced by the actions of the Princeton Band.
Hospitality is a two way street. You cannot insult someone in his own home and expect him to thank you for the favor.
Paul
Citadel '95

Paul - Citadel '95 of SC 12:27PM September 30, 2008

Princeton kids are supposed to be smart, Citadel kids are supposed to be disciplined. Neither side lived up to their reputation very well. Glad no one was hurt, worse things have happened between colleges, let's get on with life.

Dan of SC 9:39AM September 29, 2008