Recently, the new Athletics Marketing Director has implemented a policy of handing out bottles of red powder to “spray” everywhere when our football team scores.

We as a student body would like the policy to be revoked for several reasons. First, the powder gets absolutely everywhere. Clothes are ruined, many people’s eyes are in pain, attendees with asthma risks have to leave the student section, and it’s not the most efficient way to express school spirit. Student spirit organizations have voiced their displeasure with the powder, and their concerns have gone unheard. The Spirit Of Houston has equipment nearly ruined, from plumes to school mascots to important safety equipment that band members depend on.

The fact that concerns and displeasures has been completely ignored is an affront to the desires of the fans and attendees of TDECU Stadium. The powder has discouraged students from standing near the front of the student section and discouraged student engagement at sporting events — which is something that universities greatly depend on for alumni engagement and potential donations.

The powder also creates an unnecessary amount of waste, and as a school that says we care about sustainability, we should be sensitive to this issue.

In conclusion, this petition is to draw attention to a problem many of the students see, and ask that this policy be immediately stopped. There are several other policies that can be implemented to encourage school spirit, and we would love to openly discuss potential alternatives to this red powder.