NC State removes the word ‘Dixie’ from its alma mater. What’s replacing it?
NC State University has removed the word “Dixie” from its alma mater, replacing it with the word “Southern” in the first line of the song.
The Board of Trustees unanimously approved the change following concern from students, faculty, staff and alumni who see it as contrary to NC State’s vision, values and goals. The term is tied to the Confederacy and slavery because it was an anthem for the Confederate army.
“Making this change is simply the right thing to do,” Chancellor Randy Woodson said in a statement.
The change is also part of a growing trend of removing statues and renaming campus buildings and other public spaces tied to the Confederacy, slavery, white supremacy and racism.
NCSU recently renamed Daniels Hall, which was named after Josephus Daniels, who was a white supremacist.
The Alumni Association Board of Directors formed an executive task force to review the alma mater and presented different options to university leaders.
The new lyrics are: “Where the Southern winds so softly blow.”
The lyrics and accompanying music for the song were written in the 1920s, and the word “Dixie” was included in 1925. The change reflects the progress society and the university have made over the past 100 years.
“Traditions remain an important part of NC State,” Woodson said. “Those traditions must reflect who we are today and what we hope to achieve.”
He said the university has “a responsibility to continually educate ourselves and those who pass through our doors to unite against intolerance, model inclusivity, and advance the dignity and power of diversity.”
This story was originally published February 18, 2022 at 2:09 PM.
