Syracuse University rethinking ‘kiss cam’ after letter-writer suggests it

The newspaper reports that the university did not feature the “kiss cam” in its football game last Saturday against Central Michigan University, and is assessing the concerns expressed in the letter. “We discussed this with POMCO, the sponsor, and they supported that approach”, said Sue Edson, executive senior associate athletics director for communications.

But letter writer, Steve Port, says he watched a frightening scene during the September 12 football game between SU and Wake Forest, when the kiss cam focused on two students. Yes, every individual student needs to take responsibility for respecting that line, but a school has its own duty not to tacitly approve of transgressions like the ones in the Carrier Dome on September 12. He grabs her head and shoves his tongue down her throat, the crowd cheers.

Given the current sensitivity surrounding the issue of sexual assault on college campuses, however, the decision is completely understandable.

Port continues, saying that the third kiss cam target also appeared to be yet another non-couple, and the female student again shook her head “no”. Again, this second female in question shakes her head no. I then see no less than six sets of hands from the seats around her shove her unwilling face into his, crowd cheers.

Port’s letter received abundant attention from the Syracuse community.

The New York Mets stopped showing opposing players together for comedic effect on the Citi Field kiss cam after a fan’s efforts to stop the practice. “I think 99% of the time, the kiss cam has been used okay and it’s a fun part of games”, says Brooke Winckelmann, who wants the kiss cam to stay.