United in Understanding: Utah’s Jewish Federation Condemns Courtside Controversy and Urges Unity After BYU Incident

Jewish Federation of Utah Condemns Chants at BYU-Arizona Basketball Game

The United Jewish Federation of Utah has strongly condemned the derogatory chants directed at Brigham Young University (BYU) and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the recent basketball game against the University of Arizona.

The incident took place Saturday night after BYU’s dramatic 96-95 upset over No. 19 Arizona in Tucson.

As BYU players exited the court, sections of the Wildcats’ crowd chanted an expletive followed by “Mormons,” in a video widely shared on social media. The chant, which capped a tense and controversial game, has drawn widespread criticism, including from Arizona’s own leadership.

Arizona Apologizes for Fans’ Behavior

Arizona has apologized for a derogatory chant aimed at BYU following the Cougars’ 96-95 upset of the No. 19 Wildcats.https://t.co/aW0pIj4Uac

— ESPN (@espn) February 23, 2025

Following backlash, University of Arizona athletic director Desireé Reed-Francois issued an apology on behalf of the school.

“Following tonight’s men’s basketball game, it was brought to our attention that an unacceptable chant occurred,” Reed-Francois said in a statement. “On behalf of the University of Arizona Athletic Department, we apologize to BYU, their student-athletes, coaches, and fans. The chant is not reflective of who we are and should not have happened.”

Despite the apology, the incident has reignited discussions about religious intolerance (in college sports and in general) and the need to curb such behavior.

Jewish Federation Calls for Greater Respect

“These kinds of incidents are not just about a game; they represent a deeper issue of intolerance that must be addressed,” said Alex Shapiro, CEO of the United Jewish Federation of Utah. “Religious bigotry has no place in our society, whether directed at the Jewish community, the Latter-day Saint community, or any other faith group. We must come together to call out and challenge discrimination in all its forms.”

The Federation, which has long advocated for religious freedom and unity, expressed its solidarity with BYU students, alumni, and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Citing the long history of faith communities facing prejudice, the organization emphasized the need for education, dialogue, and accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future.

I’m not LDS… but seriously why is the @Big12Conference so quiet about letting fanbases chant bigoted chants at BYU?

— Steven (@m4gbit) February 23, 2025

A Call for Inclusivity in Athletics

The Federation’s statement is part of a broader push to encourage inclusivity in college sports. Across the country, there have been growing concerns about how religious, racial, and ethnic differences are sometimes exploited in heated sports environments.

“This is not an isolated issue,” Shapiro continued. “We’ve seen how easily crowds can turn moments of competition into displays of division. Schools, athletic programs, and student leaders must be proactive in creating a culture where respect is the standard, not the exception.”

The Jewish Federation is urging universities, athletic associations, and local leaders to take concrete steps toward fostering greater understanding between communities. Suggestions include:

Educational workshops on religious and cultural tolerance
Clearer anti-discrimination policies in athletic programs
Stronger statements from university leadership reinforcing inclusivity

Building Bridges Through Shared History

The Jewish Federation of Utah also drew parallels between the experiences of the Jewish and Latter-day Saint communities, both of which have faced historical persecution and discrimination.

“There is a shared history of faith communities being marginalized,” Shapiro explained. “That’s why it’s so important that we stand together—not just in moments of crisis, but in ongoing efforts to build bridges of understanding.”

The Federation’s call to action has already begun to resonate beyond Utah, with other religious and civil rights organizations expressing support for BYU and advocating for more respectful sports environments.

Reupping this in light of the anti-Mormon chants last night in Arizona https://t.co/MyCqYmwSPc https://t.co/TVa7my1dwg

— McKay Coppins (@mckaycoppins) February 23, 2025

A Commitment to Change

While Arizona’s apology has been welcomed by some, others believe more needs to be done to ensure that religious discrimination is taken seriously in college athletics. BYU has not yet publicly responded to the apology, but discussions about fan behavior and sportsmanship are expected to continue in the coming days.

The United Jewish Federation of Utah remains committed to working with universities, faith leaders, and community organizations to prevent future incidents and promote a culture of respect in sports and beyond.

“We all have a role to play,” Shapiro concluded. “Whether it’s in a stadium, a classroom, or our neighborhoods, we must be the voices that promote respect, kindness, and unity.”

For more information about the United Jewish Federation of Utah and its initiatives, visit www.shalomutah.org.