Update: The Big 12 Conference has fined Colorado $50,000 for the “inappropriate chants” that occurred at last weekend’s game between BYU and the Buffaloes.
The University of Colorado has apologized for anti-Latter-day Saint chants that broke out during the BYU football team’s road game last weekend.
During BYU’s win over Colorado at Folsom Field, fans were heard chanting “F--- the Mormons.” That was on the heels of “F--- BYU” taunts that occurred throughout the night.
“The University of Colorado Boulder strongly condemns the use of expletives and religious slurs by individuals in the stands during the recent football game against BYU,” said Colorado chancellor Justin Schwartz and athletic director Rick George in a statement.
“Such behavior is deeply disappointing and does not reflect the values of respect, inclusion and integrity we expect of our campus community,” the statement continued.
The chant has been a recent trend at BYU road games. The school owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was subject to the same chant at an Arizona basketball game last February.
Providence fans also chanted it when the Cougars went to Rhode Island.
BYU accepted Colorado’s apology.
“We denounce all forms of religious discrimination and appreciate [Colorado’s] example in rooting out these inappropriate actions,” they said. “We invite all to showcase their fandom with enthusiasm and respect.”
Read more: The Salt Lake Tribune looked into why the chant occurs so often, with several religious scholars weighing in. Former Utah star Britain Covey also spoke to The Tribune about his experience with the chant.