By Kenn Rashad
HBCU Sports
https://hbcusports.com/
The presidents of Jackson State University and the University of Southern Mississippi issued a joint statement Saturday encouraging fans to “show pride and respect” ahead of the football game between the two schools in Hattiesburg.
The statement comes after a Facebook post from a Southern Miss supporter circulated earlier this week that listed a mocking set of “rules” for Jackson State fans. Among them were instructions not to throw away “chicken boxes or Swisher Sweet wrappers” on campus, warnings against playing “loud rap music” in the parking lot, and reminders to tip restaurant servers. The post quickly went viral and drew widespread criticism online.
While the release did not directly reference the Facebook post, its timing suggests it was issued in response.
“We encourage all fans to represent our universities with pride and respect and to support the spirit of healthy competition,” wrote Jackson State interim president Denise Jones Gregory and Southern Miss president Joseph S. Paul. “Both institutions are committed to ensuring a safe, enthusiastic and welcoming environment for every student, alumnus and fan.”
The presidents also emphasized that the relationship between the two universities extends beyond the football field. “Our institutions are proud of the many academic and research partnerships we have forged through the years,” the statement read.
Saturday’s game will mark the fourth meeting between the programs.
Kenn Rashad is a journalist, author, and media entrepreneur serving as the Founding Publisher & Editor of HBCU Sports. He’s also a proud graduate of Grambling State University.
