In a campus wide email 10 days ago from the president’s office, San Jose State University announced it will “retire” the use of the “Spartan Up” hand gesture, saying it closely mimics a common White Power hand gesture.
The University will “explore and recommend” new gestures to fit the Spartan spirit.
“We all agree that the gesture has become part of the fabric and footprint of our University, however when the gesture is used improperly, it can be offensive to some members of our University family,” SJSU Director of Athletics Marie Tuite stated.
