Reader: CU's possible ban on painting faces black for Black Out games can't be real, can it?

Last week, we published a post about a diversity committee at the University of Colorado at Boulder looking into a possible ban on black face and body painting of the sort seen most often during so-called Black Out games -- the theory being that this form of school spirit is...

By Michael Roberts

February 7, 2011

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Last week, we published a post about a diversity committee at the University of Colorado at Boulder looking into a possible ban on black face and body painting of the sort seen most often during so-called Black Out games -- the theory being that this form of school spirit is racially insensitive. One of our readers reacted with comic disbelief.

Comet67 writes:

This is a joke right? But coming from my sometimes whacky alma mater, I suppose it could be true.

For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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