NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 11: A fan of the Florida Gators holds up a sign that reads "Gator Bait" against the LSU Tigers during the semifinals on day 3 of the SEC Men's Basketball Conference Tournament March 11, 2006 at the Gaylord Entertainment Center i …
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - The University of Florida brought back its "gator bait" cheer Saturday night during its season-opening football game against Florida Atlantic University.
University of Florida Tradition
What we know:
It returned to the Swamp early in the first quarter against Florida Atlantic — and was welcomed with a raucous reception. It was far from a surprise because clips of Florida’s band practicing the accompanying tune were shared on social media this week.
University President Stuart Bell hinted at bringing back the tradition in June, stating that traditions matter to the campus community.
Stadium crowds gave the chant a loud reception, following social media clips recorded earlier in the week that showed the campus band practicing the musical cue.
Gator Bait History
What we don't know:
Officials have not confirmed if any anti-racism groups or campus student organizations plan to protest the cheer's return.
School leaders have not stated whether any modifications were made to the chant's official arrangement or presentation.
Previous Campus Decisions
The backstory:
Former President Kent Fuchs banned the chant in June 2020 due to ‘horrific historic racist imagery’ tied to the phrase. Anti-Black artwork from the late 1800s and early 1900s depicted alligator hunters using Black babies as bait.
The initial 2020 decision occurred during nationwide racial reckonings after police murdered George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Many Florida fans met Fuchs’ decree with disdain, arguing the cheer was a tradition and never performed with any racist intentions.
Separate from the cheer, Florida eliminated all diversity, equity and inclusion positions in 2024 following a state rule banning such programs, directing $5 million in annual funds into faculty recruitment.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from the Associated Press, who reported on the game details and historical background of the cheer, as well as official university statements.