I do understand the tangle of litigation issues--as least as much as any non legal type can.

But still, some of the obstructionism is ridiculous. When teaching the Crucible and having class discussion of the Red Scare, my students are incredulous that we as a nation refused to "recognize" the existence of Communist China, when any fool looking at a map could see it existed. Even when the concept that we recognized another government as the rightful "ruler" of that land seems to them to be ridiculous.

While I am NOT making an anaolgy to the Red Scare, some of the pretense that Student Bonfire is somehow evil and that certain groups of even former students are pressured not to participate has me with the same sense of incredulity.

It exists. Get over it. The university is not connected with it, and it is time to quit obstructing full participation by students and alumni. There should be no consequences for those who do participate--as long as they don't do it on the schools dime or the schools clock.

I agree wholeheartedly. I fail to understand just how A&M can prevent former students and dead YLs from participating. That frustrates me to no end. Why don't they (the former students) just say, "eff it! You can't control me!" and do it anyways??

Because while they can't control them, they can impact certain areas of their lives.

What actions has the university taken to prevent alumni from participating?

As for current students, I agree that strongarming is wrong, but if the university "recognized" the event or even gave the appearance of condoning it they'd be commiting legal suicide.

Tbe Association of Former Yell Leaders is an organization with a lot of clout that is closely entangled with the University. Don't underestimate their "influence" over their newest members.

Sorry, I was referring to current students. I agree that there is no reason for former students to be involved.

I certainly don't know, but understand that the former yell leaders had to get special permission last year to lead yells, and this year there were apparently no former yell leaders.