The DU campus is engaged in a fiery debate, over its back-woods, coonskin cap-totingformer mascot.

Where do you stand? Is Boone classic symbol representing a pioneering campus, that rallies students? Or is he a figurehead for white male dominance in society, especially prevalent among the DU population. 

The debate has been further fueled by the recent alumni donation for a physical Boone mascot costume that can be seen parading around campus.

Ironically, this symbol that was created to bring the school together has torn it apart, like an Indian violently scalping the hair off a dying pioneer settler.  

Does a mascot who has white skin and male characteristics fuel students hate in becoming a non-inclusive, clan-rally attending population? Probably nothing to that extreme.

Yet is Boone’s resurection reversing the low spirit and low student participation in campus events? Will the revived Boone figurehead double the endowment among eager, rallying alumni? Again, that’s a bit ridiculous. 

This debate itself is becoming a major issue at DU. For the last several months almost every issue of the Clarion has had some article, or editorial covering and debating the Boone issue.

Dozens of student groups have rallied behind one side of another on Facebook groups and online forums. 

Students running in the AUSA Senate elections have made Boone a focal point in their campaigns. 

Maybe, for once, the energy should be more focused on real issues, issues that involve people with normal-sized heads. 

For example, maybe focus would be better spent on working with issues involving, say, racism and cultural exclusion on campus. Or maybe issues of our low endowment or lack of student school spirit? 

Where ever this debate on Boone leads, hopefully DU’s campus can realize that a sweaty guy in a giant felt costume isn’t an issue worth becoming divided.