Should be noted that it goes way beyond players. The band wouldn't play it apparently even before the players responded.

I don't think it's racist, but if the sizeable preponderance of the student body wants a change, I don't see the point in mandating that a recording be played in celebratory moments like it or not, dammit. The fun will be mandatory!

Read the room.

It's not like it has a ton of cultural value outside of maybe some alumni nostalgia. Melody is kinda weak. Lyrics are weird. Alumni can sing it at reunions.

There is a hill to die on in defense against the cultural and literary destruction at the hands of the woke pandemic.

I'm not sure this is that hill.