Gator Bait Chant Returns to UF | Tampa News

The University of Florida shocked fans and critics alike by bringing back the controversial “gator bait” chant during its season opener — a cheer banned in 2020 over its racist historical roots. President Stuart Bell defended the move as a nod to tradition, while former president Kent Fuchs had previously scrapped it amid national conversations on race, citing disturbing 19th-century imagery. The chant’s return coincides with the school’s elimination of DEI roles, fueling debate across campus and beyond — with no official word yet on whether protests are planned or if the chant’s delivery has been altered. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/848b432358b6e254