A controversial stanza in the North Dakota State University school song needs retooling.
The talented pool of Star Tribune readers would seem perfectly poised to help out the beloved northerly neighbor, homeland of many Minnesotans and popular college destination for their kids.
NDSU announced it would be removing all but the first stanza of the song from all university websites and publications.
Administrators expect to discuss how to balance the song's historical significance with a need to be appropriate and sensitive.
In the meantime, the Star Tribune wants you to propose viable alternatives. Prizes will be awarded.
The concerning third part of the song reads:
Hushed upon the boundÂless praiÂries
Is the biÂson's thund'ring tread,
And the red man passÂes with him
On his spoilÂers' bounÂty fed.
But the Norse, the Celt and SaxÂon
With their herd inÂcrease, and find
Mid these fields of green and yelÂlow
Plenty e'en for all manÂkind.
Email your entry to song@startribune.com or send it to:
NDSU Song Contest
Star Tribune
650 3rd Av. S., Suite 1300
Minneapolis, MN 55488
Rochelle Olson • 612-673-1747
Twitter: @rochelleolson