Goshen College

National Anthem Decision Background

Press releases

• Mar. 26
  Goshen College professors present contrasting views on the national anthem

  “Two Goshen College faculty members united in their commitment to pacifism, the teachings of the Mennonite church and extending Christian hospitality to others presented conflicting opinions on playing the national anthem before sports events at the college.”

  Full-text of presentations:
  Dr. Joe Liechty and Dr. Kathy Meyer Reimer
• Mar. 23
  President Brenneman releases statement as national anthem is played on campus

  “History was made today at Goshen College as the national anthem was played before two sports events for the first time since intercollegiate athletics began at the college in 1957. The anthem was played before a 1 p.m. baseball team doubleheader against Siena Heights University and softball team doubleheader against St. Joseph's College at 3 p.m.”

• Mar. 22
  Goshen College prepares to play anthem while campus dialogue continues

  “In January, the Goshen College President's Council, led by President Jim Brenneman, decided to allow the college's Athletic Department to play an instrumental version of the national anthem prior to some sporting events beginning this spring. That change in practice will first be implemented at the Tuesday, March 23 home baseball and softball games.”

• Mar. 11
  Goshen College Alumni Executive Board releases statement on national anthem decision

  “During the two days of meetings, March 5 and 6, we heard from faculty and administration concerning various college issues and programs including student life and enrollment. However, much of the time was spent processing the recent decision to play the national anthem before select sports events on campus.”

• Mar. 10
  Goshen College announces plans for national anthem's implementation

  “In January, the Goshen College Presidents Council, led by President Jim Brenneman, decided to allow the college's Athletic Department to play an instrumental version of the national anthem prior to some sporting events beginning this spring. In preparing for that change in practice to be implemented – beginning with the March 23 baseball and softball games – the President's Council recently affirmed the plans of the Athletic Department.”

• Feb. 17
  National anthem dialogue and implementation to continue at Goshen College

  “I am writing today on behalf of the Goshen College Board of Directors and the President's Council to give you an update on the national anthem decision and related action taken last weekend by the board. Last month, with the full support of the President's Council, I led the decision to allow an instrumental version of the national anthem to be played on campus prior to some sporting events beginning this spring. Throughout our 14-month conversation leading up to the decision, we heard from many of you on campus on this issue – some in favor, some opposed.”

• Jan. 22
  Goshen College will play national anthem before sporting events

  “Goshen College announced today it will play an instrumental version of the Star-Spangled Banner before select sports events on campus, followed by prayer. This decision will take effect in March, at the start of the spring sports season and was made after discussion and deliberation over the past year.”