University of Alabama clarifies 'disruptive behavior' for students ahead of Trump's visit for LSU game

Samson X Horne
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019 10:15 p.m. | Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019 10:15 p.m.

In this Aug. 31, 2019, file photo, Alabama head coach Nick Saban leads his team onto the field for a an NCAA college football game against Duke, in Atlanta. For the first time in college football history, there will be two games matching teams of at least 8-0 on the same day, according to ESPN Facts and Info. In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, LSU and the Crimson Tide will play the first regular-season game matching AP Nos. 1 and 2 since 2011 _ when No. 1 LSU beat No. 2 Alabama 9-6 in overtime. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

A spokesman for the University of Alabama’s Student Government Association has clarified what he meant by “disruptive behavior” after receiving flak for a previous email warning students in reserved seating to mind their conduct at this weekend’s game against LSU, which President Donald Trump is expected to attend.

“Some have misinterpreted my comment regarding ‘disruptive behavior,’” read part of the statement from Jason Rothfarb, vice president for Student Affairs at the University of Alabama. “By disruptive behavior, we are asking students to be respectful to all students and staff and avoid altercations.”

Rothfarb added that his earlier email wasn’t an attack on First Amendment rights and that he’s “sorry for any confusion.”

According to Alabama news website AL.com, Rothfarb’s initial statement was sent to special seating groups warning that “Any organizations that engage in disruptive behavior during the game will be removed from block seating instantly for the remainder of the season.”

It seemed no coincidence that the stern warning was sent just days before Trump was expected to partake in the festivities between The Associated Press ranked No. 1 LSU Tigers and the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. Both teams, which are rivals in the SEC West division, are undefeated with 8-0 records.

#LSUvsAlabama: Alabama SGA releases statement in response to a report saying it was warning against President Trump protests pic.twitter.com/hzkh3ssh53

— #WVTM13 (@WVTM13) November 6, 2019

UA’s SGA sent out this statement in attempt to squelch that notion: “The SGA strongly affirms its belief in free speech and the rights of all students to express their opinions. Today’s report erroneously assigned a political context to a message meant only to remind students about heightened security and the consequences of altercations or other behaviors unbecoming of a University of Alabama student.…”

SGA Press Secretary Jackson Fuentes told AL.com that the original message was first sent out to block seating organizations, which mainly consist of Greek life organizations, that have reserved seating blocks at the stadium.

I think it was clear, SGA at the University of #Alabama Alabama is warning student groups that causing disruptions during President Trump’s visit to the Tide’s Saturday game vs. #LSU LSU could result in the loss of reserved seating for the remainder of the season. pic.twitter.com/mme5Gvvi2U

— chrs Hoogland (@ChoagChrs) November 6, 2019