We had spirit, yes we did

You can see them entertaining the crowd, sporting the latest hip-hop moves during the halftime of IU basketball games. A swing of the hip, a flip of the shoulder. These aren't ordinary cheerleaders. This is the pom squad, a mixture of cheer and dance group that performs at IU basketball games and in national competitions. \nA recent decision by the athletics administration threatens to bring the display of talent, the spirit and the tradition of IU's pom squad to an end. Assistant Athletics Director Chuck Crabb informed current and potential members of the pom squad that the program is being cut by sending out a mass e-mail before spring break. Everyone knows that breaking up with someone through e-mail is not classy. But even worse than the cold flick of technology was the lack of an explanation for why the program will not be continued. \nThe e-mail said the athletics department has been having discussions to decide what can be refined to rally fan support and to "compliment the game day experience."\n"We had to weigh the needs for what works best with the sports we support," Crabb said in the e-mail. \nWe would like to know what exactly "doesn't work" about choreographed dance moves. Does a presentation of Fox News at halftime better "compliment the game day experience?" \nThe pom squad placed 10th in a national competition and has been a part of IU athletics for more than 40 years. The athletics administration owes an explanation to the fans who enjoy the squad's performances and to the members of the squad who work so hard to pursue an art form that they are passionate about. \nOther Big Ten schools have pom squads. Obviously this kind of program seems to "work" in other places. Why should IU be robbed of this outlet for dance? \nMembers of the pom squad are encouraging students and alumni to sign a petition at www.petitiononline.com to show the athletics administration that the program won't be cut without a fight. The petition currently has more than 1,300 signatures. Those who sign the petition have the option of adding comments. The comments already written on the petition insinuate that many IU sports fans are pom fans as well.\n"They're probably my favorite part about the basketball games," freshman Elizabeth Millis said on the petition. "I was thinking about not buying season tickets next year, and if there are no poms, that seals the deal." \nThe reasoning behind this decision is utterly enigmatic. A lack of funding might seem like a logical reason to scale back on spirit-oriented programs, especially since IU's athletics department is in debt. But the pom squad covers most of its own costs through fundraising, so money doesn't appear to be the issue. \nThe athletics department should reconsider its decision to cut the pom squad. At the very least, the reasoning for leaving a wake of devastated dancers and pom fans should be explained. To carelessly cut such a program is an injustice to every member of the IU community and we deserve more than just vague excuses.