Southern Mississipi Band Members Lose Scholarships After ‘Green Card’ Chant at Puerto Rican Opponent During NCAA Tournament

The University of Southern Mississippi lost their first game in the NCAA Tournament and, to add insult to injury, drew criticism for a racially insensitive chant coming from the band late in the game.

In response, the school has announced that five students have been dismissed from its pep band and had their scholarships revoked after leading the cheer directed at KSU player Angel Rodriguez.

Members of the band chanted, "Where's your green card?" at the Rodriguez, who was born in Puerto Rico, while he was shooting free throws.

"[The students] acted rashly and inappropriately, and now see the gravity of their words and actions," Southern Miss. vice president Joe Paul said in a statement. "This is a teachable moment, not only for these students, but for our entire student body and those who work with them."

The students' identities have been withheld, but the school also announced they will be making the five complete a two-hour cultural sensitivity training course.

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