Prior to the football game between Michigan State University and in-state rival the University of Michigan on October 21, a quiz accompanied by Adolf Hitler's photo was displayed on the video board, where one of the questions asked about the birthplace of the Nazi leader. An employee of Michigan State University faced suspension following this incident, as photos of Hitler on the video board along with the trivia question about his birthplace circulated on social media prior to the game at Spartan Stadium.
In response to the incident, Michigan State University issued an apology and emphasized that this content does not align with its "institutional values." According to a statement by MSU Associate Athletic Director Matt Larson, the university acknowledged the inappropriate content displayed by a third-party source and expressed deep regret. Furthermore, the university announced its decision to discontinue the use of third-party sources and to introduce more rigorous screening and approval procedures for all future video board content.
The university's Vice President and Director of Athletics, Alan Haller, admitted to a "failure" in the process, noting that the video was not fully reviewed by anyone in athletics before it was displayed on the video board. He also clarified that the video had no affiliation with corporate partners or the community. Haller mentioned the suspension of an "involved employee" and revealed that an investigation into the matter is currently underway.
Furthermore, Haller emphasized the harm caused by the image to Michigan's communities, especially the Jewish community, which is grappling with a surge in antisemitism and acts of violence.
In light of this incident, the creator of a YouTube channel known as The Quiz Channel expressed his disapproval of the university's use of his content for "stadium entertainment." The trivia quiz used at the game was part of a video from his YouTube channel, according to the university. Throughout the season, videos from the same YouTube channel have been used before each home game.
The university clarified that prior to the game in question, the content was not considered objectionable, and it is now determined to implement improved screening processes to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
Floris van Pallandt, the creator of The Quiz Channel, conveyed his surprise at the university's usage of content from his YouTube page and emphasized that he had no prior knowledge of this use. He remarked on the negative feedback his YouTube channel has received as a result of this incident. While he defended the legitimacy of the trivia question about Hitler in a broader historical context, he conceded that it might not have been an appropriate choice for a live stadium audience. Van Pallandt underscored the importance of not shying away from history's darker aspects but acknowledged the need for discretion in certain settings.
