the Iconocast: Goshen and the National Anthem (episode 31)

The Iconocast

In this episode, Mark sits down with Nekeisha and Andy Alexis-Baker to discuss the recent decision by Goshen College to discontinue its playing of the National Anthem at sporting events. Since its founding in 1894, Goshen has refrained from playing the anthem at events…until Spring 2010, when it started playing an instrumental version. Due, in part, to acampaign started by Andy and Nekeisha, Goshen decided to reverse its decision in a June 2011 meeting and will, therefore, no longer play the anthem. But this decision–to reverse their earlier decision–has resulted in a backlash–including a deluge of hate mail and some unwelcomed coverage from Fox News.