October 24th 2023.
Michigan State University recently found itself in a difficult situation after an image of Adolf Hitler was displayed as part of a pre-game video routine. According to NPR, the image was included in a trivia question about the dictator's place of birth, and was shown on the stadium jumbotron ahead of a rivalry game against the University of Michigan on Oct. 21.
Michigan State immediately issued an apology, stating that it was a “failure” to screen the content and that an employee involved with the incident had been identified and suspended with pay pending investigation results. Vice President and Director of Athletics Alan Haller also issued a statement, saying, “The projected image was unacceptable, and as the oversight body for MSU, we want to publicly apologize to everyone who was in Spartan Stadium or learned of this through other means.”
The incident was particularly noteworthy due to its timing, coinciding with the tragic killing of a Jewish synagogue leader in Detroit. Haller’s apology addressed this, saying, “Antisemitism must be denounced. The image displayed prior to Saturday night’s game is not representative of who we are and the culture we embody. Nevertheless, we must own our failures and accept responsibility. I understand our response might be met with skepticism. That skepticism is warranted, and we will do all that is necessary to earn back your trust.”
The video came from The Quiz Channel, a YouTube page run by Floris van Pallandt, who stated that it was an “unsolicited and unauthorized use” of his content. Michigan State University will not be using any third-party sources while they investigate the incident.
It is clear that Michigan State University is taking this incident very seriously and has made all the necessary steps to ensure that this will not occur again in the future. The board of trustees has made it clear that they expect accountability for what transpired and the university is doing everything possible to ensure that this does not happen again.
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