Dear President DiPietro and Director Ryder,

This is a petition urging that the University of Tennessee's Pride of the Southland marching band not march at the upcoming presidential inauguration. According to the band's own homepage, the band typically represents the State of Tennessee at presidential inaugurations.

As either proud residents of Tennessee or proud University of Tennessee alumni, we are greatly disturbed by the behavior exhibited by Donald Trump both during and after the recent presidential campaign. He has made racist and sexist remarks that should never come out of the mouth of someone in public office.

As residents of Tennessee, we believe that the attendance at the upcoming inauguration of a band representing the state of Tennessee would condone this behavior. As alumni, we believe that no university should risk its reputation and credibility by welcoming such ignorance and celebrating a man like Trump. It is for this reason that we urge that the band not march at the upcoming inauguration.

Sincerely,

Concerned Citizens and Alumni