Louisiana State University in an athletic communication sent out an email with a picture of “The Painted Posse.” This group of LSU football fans are also Christians who sport a cross as part of their body paint attire. The picture that the Louisiana State University Athletic Department sent out had the crosses digitally scrubbed.
Below is the original picture:
And here is the picture sans Cross which appeared in an email before the LSU-South Carolina game.
CampusReform.org interviewed Posse member Cameron Cooke.
“I was a bit surprised, because our pictures get used so frequently, and the cross had never been edited before,” said Posse member Cameron Cooke in an interview with Campus Reform.
“The cross painting is important to me because it represents who I am as a Christ follower,” Cooke added, “and it reminds me who I need to act like in Death Valley.”
In a separate interview with LSU’s Vice Chancellor for Communications Herb Vincent it was acknowledged that the picture was intentionally doctored. “LSU Athletics attempts not to imply any particular religious or political message in any of its correspondence with fans. Thus the crosses were edited out of the photos.” They don’t want to offend any of their fans – well except the Christians ones in this particular case. He did say they will avoid using any photos like this to avoid further controversy.
On their Facebook page they announced a texting campaign regarding the decision. “Text “No!” to 99009 if you DO NOT agree with LSU’s decision to airbrush the picture!”
Shane Vander Hart
