The student-run radio station at Seton Hall University in New Jersey was ordered by the university last month to change its signature music of hard rock and heavy metal.
WSOU-FM has used the hard rock and heavy metal format for 15 years. The executive cabinet of the university voted to ban that genre of music, calling it “inconsistent” with the mission of the Catholic school and “offensive” to the community.
“As a faith-based institution, Seton Hall seeks to have programming that is consistent with its values,” said Mel Shay, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, in a letter informing the station of the ban. “Lyrics that speak of hatred, or degrade any group of people, are unacceptable.”
Staff members of WSOU have until Jan. 1 to produce an acceptable format. The governing council for the radio station has the authority to approve or reject any new program format. The council, however, has not given the station any guidelines in addition to the ban.