West Virginia University student leaders are taking a stand against vulgar T-shirts seen around campus and at athletic events.

The Mountaineer Maniacs have introduced a T-shirt Amnesty program to help exchange West F….... Virginia T-shirts. Students who bought the shirt can bring it to the Mountainlair and exchange it for a $20 voucher to buy an officially licensed T-shirt at the WVU Bookstore, Book Exchange or WVU’s Team Shop in the Coliseum.

“This is a great opportunity for students to make the right decision and gain something in return for having great sportsmanship,” said Maniacs Director Steve Staffileno. “The Mountaineer Maniacs always promote positive sportsmanship from all WVU students and fans.

“The chance to receive legitimate West Virginia Mountaineer apparel in return for one of these other offensive shirts should be taken advantage of by everyone.”

Those students who exchange shirts will receive the voucher with no questions asked. The T-shirts can be brought to a table in the Mountainlair near Hatfield’s from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.

“The T-shirt Amnesty program is a great step toward showcasing our fan base as one of the rowdiest yet most respectful in the country,” said Student Government Association President Jason Bailey. “I have a little sister and brother at home, ages 5 and 10, who will be watching the game on TV. I personally don’t want them to see vulgar T-shirts on TV, but I do want them to witness the intensity behind our Mountaineer pride. This program still gives students the chance to exercise their free speech rights, but it also highlights the importance of what it means to be a Mountaineer.”

WVU will be in the national spotlight this weekend, as ESPN’s College GameDay will broadcast from 9 a.m. to noon on the Mountainlair Plaza. Then, the WVU football team will play No. 2 LSU Saturday night at Milan Puskar Stadium on national T.V. at 8 p.m.

“Everyone should encourage their fellow students and Mountaineer fans to participate and make every attempt possible to give WVU an outstanding image in the national spotlight during ESPN’s College GameDay this Saturday,” Staffileno said.

-WVU-

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