As points on the Double T scoreboard continue to increase, so does profanity in the stands.
The Student Government Association, along with other campus organizations, is taking a stand.
"If my mom came with me, I'd be embarrassed," said Matt Fowler, SGA chief of staff.
Fowler presided over Wednesday's Student Organization Advisory Committee meeting and mentioned language in the stands as a concern. He said the profane language tarnishes the image of the university.
"For people that love Tech and the traditions, it's unfortunate that that stuff happens," he said. "It gives the school a bad image."
The SGA, Fowler said, will try to hold discussions with the athletic department and administration.
He said the problem does not come from all students who attend football games, but only a vocal minority. He said he hopes for the students to work for a more positive atmosphere at games.
Fowler said the profane language has increased this year and said the words can be heard on television.
"It has definitely cause some tension," Fowler said. "Hopefully, it will be a paradigm shift."
Casey Harmon, SGA vice president of internal affairs, said students should show respect the people around them.
"You want it to be a positive experience where you go to the game," Harmon said. "I feel like fans should encourage and motivate teams," Harmon said. "Not just football, but all sports. (Students need to) make it encouraging for them to play in."
Harmon said the SGA office has received various complaints from students and Lubbock citizens. Some complaints came from adults who brought their children to the game.
Harmon said her main concerns were the profane chants directed at opposing schools and the alternate words to the Tech Fight Song.
"Every single person there contributes to the atmosphere of the football game. They decided whether it is positive or negative," she said.
Concerning the T-shirts with lewd material, Fowler and Harmon said they have seen more obscene T-shirts this year than before.
Fowler said the attendants who scan cards at the games have the right to deny them access to the games.
Ryan Worley, SGA vice president of external affairs, said crowd participation is essential, but bad language is not.
"I think profane language is (an issue)," he said. "As far as profanity is concerned, it's not necessary."
Concerning the fight song, Worley said he does not appreciate the way students have been rewording it.
"I don't think the fight song is a time for profanity," he said. "I see where it's funny, but it does not give Tech more of a home field advantage."
In addition to the SGA's stance on fans conduct at games, people at the Center for Campus Life said they find it problematic as well.
Bruce Bills from the Center for Campus Life said the spirit groups begin their own chants to drown out the words directed to the opposition.
Stephanie Rhode, unit coordinator at the Center for Campus life, said people should not complain about the behavior of students from other Big 12 schools if they cannot maintain a higher standard themselves.
Rhode said she is impressed with the greater level of school spirit over the last decade and is impressed with the way the stands have been filled with red apparel.
Amy Maynard, associate director at the Center for Campus Life, said she wants to see students properly represent Tech.
"Obviously, we want students to be good representatives of the university," Maynard said.
Though Maynard said some students have conducted themselves properly, the positive behavior is overshadowed by the profanity.
Chris Cook, assistant athletic director of media relations, said proper behavior is not just applied to students, but to everybody who attends the games.
"If they show up to the games and follow procedures and rules and behave accordingly, we appreciate having them," Cook said. "They are a member of the team, too."
Along with Bills, Maynard and Rhode, Cook said fans need to treat the opposing guests as they would want to be treated at away games.
Fowler said many of the fans have a great amount of energy, and the Red Raiders always need their support.
"We have got some passionate fans, hopefully they can channel (their energy) into something positive," he said.
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