White Student Resistance to the Removal of "Dixie"

The removal of "Dixie" from University sponsored events was a long and difficult process. Maneuvering the systems of Associate Student Government, specifically the senate of the organization, was a roller coaster. Despite the senate’s original decision to remove the song, the white students of campus were not in agreement at all. Upon the senate’s decision to remove the song, over 1,500 white students signed a petition opposing the decision.

Unlike The Arkansas Traveler, The BAD Times was created to serve, inform, and support the Black community of students on campus. The Traveler was in place to amplify the voice of the already powerful white majority, specifically on issues that white students felt intensely about, such as the removal of "Dixie." The white student population was able to leverage their numbers and their privilege to manipulate a system that was specifically built to benefit them, and with the help of The Traveler, this was easy. On the other hand, Black students had to work tirelessly to make even the smallest of changes in a system that inherently worked against them, with very little large-scale representation in the student organ of a predominantly white institution.

The senate’s original suggestion to remove the song was created with the Black student population at the University of Arkansas in mind. One of the Black student's biggest proponents, a white student named Joe Neal, advocated for their request to remove "Dixie." He argued in front of the senate that it promoted ‘role playing’ and denigration of the Black students on campus because of the racial connotations that it held. Neal also is quoted saying, “southerners are racist by definition, not by choice.” Because he was a white student who empathized with the Black student population, The Traveler saw it as important enough to report on. However, this is a rare and unpopular opinion to have amongst white students at the time.

Once the decision to leave "Dixie" in place was once again made, The Traveler continued to uplift white voices to the detriment of Black students. The Traveler chose to report on the protests presented by white students about the election results, despite the Dixie ‘victory.’ White students complained to the election officials that Black students were campaigning within 50 feet of the polling place, which was against election policies; however, since this issue did not directly affect the election results, officials ruled not to press the issue further. The Traveler also promoted the voice of newly hired band director Eldon Janzen, and while he did offer not to play "Dixie" if it “hurt the university,” he also explained that he personally did not see any problem with the song, which makes him equally as complicit in the stereotypes and hurtful rhetoric that are associated with "Dixie."

All in all, BAD Times and Black Americans for Democracy made a significant amount of progress during the late 1960s and 1970s; however, The Traveler unraveled much of that work by purposely suppressing Black student voices.

Anna Kate Dooly is a current honors junior, with plans to graduate with a B.A. in May of 2022. Her majors include History and French with minors in Art History and African and African American Studies. Her study interests include the American Civil Rights Movement. Currently, Anna Kate is a second year Resident Assistant in Hotz Honors Hall on campus.

"Senate Delays Action On ‘Dixie’; Hears Explanation from SSOC.." The Arkansas Traveler (Fayetteville) December 11th 1968. 63rd volume, no.59 ed, Front Page sec.

"Senate Again Votes ‘No’ Dixie, After Getting Student Petitions." The Arkansas Traveler (Fayetteville) December 10th 1969. 64th volume, no. 55 ed, Front Page sec.

"Student Court Rules Dixie Petition Legal in Advisory Opinion." The Arkansas Traveler (Fayetteville) March 6th 1970. 64th volume, no. 88 ed, Front Page sec.

"’Dixie’ Issue, Reappointment Planned for March 31 Ballot." The Arkansas Traveler (Fayetteville) March 19th 1970. 64th volume, no. 96 ed, Front Page sec.

"Students to Vote Today on Dixie, Reapportionment: Campus-Wide Vote to Tell Dixie Story." The Arkansas Traveler (Fayetteville) March 31st 1970. 64th volume, no. 97 ed, Front Page sec.

"Students Vote to Retain Fight Song Dixie: Reapportionment Passes by Large Margin." The Arkansas Traveler (Fayetteville) April 1st 1970. 64th volume, no. 98 ed, Front Page sec.

"Dixie Questions Still Remain After Student Referendum." The Arkansas Traveler (Fayetteville) April 2nd 1970. 64th volume, no. 99 ed, Front Page sec.