College Replaces National Anthem at Sporting Events

A small college in northern Indiana that decided to stop playing the national anthem at sporting events will play "America the Beautiful" instead.

Goshen College's president says "America the Beautiful" is more fitting with the Mennonite Church-affiliated school's pacifist traditions while also honoring the country.

Leaders of the 1,000-student college decided in June to quit playing an instrumental version "The Star-Spangled Banner" after starting to do so for the first time last year.

Some students and graduates were against the song being played because its lyrics contain references to using war to defend the country.

School President Jim Brenneman says the use of "America the Beautiful" will begin with sports events this fall and that the U.S. flag will be present.