Brothers in metal garb removed from campus tour, university apologizes

[Photo by: Cattle Decapitation, Colorado State University]

Two Native American brothers from the Mohawk tribe were removed from a campus tour at Colorado State University after a parent on tour became “nervous,” calling the police on them for “looking suspicious” and that their clothing featured some “dark stuff.”

What were the metalhead fans wearing? Cattle Decapitation and Archspire merch. 

Read more: Racism in metal—or anywhere—is not okay

Thomas Kanewakeron Gray, 19, and his brother Lloyd Skanahwati Gray, 17, decided to save up their money and make the seven-hour drive to CSU to partake in a campus tour for prospective students. Their visit was cut short when a parent on their tour reported them to campus police.

The “nervous” mother called 911, claiming the brothers were “definitely not” a part of their tour, describing their behavior as “odd” and that their clothing featured some “dark stuff.” Thomas was wearing a shirt featuring the band Cattle Decapitation, a death metal band who opposes animal cruelty, while Lloyd's shirt featured death metal band, Archspire.

Audio from the 911 call can be heard here. Body cam footage from CSU campus police is viewable below.

The boys were pulled aside, patted down and questioned by police, all while their tour continued on without them. When campus police finally allowed them to continue, they were unable to meet back up with their tour. They headed back to the admissions office where they were then told there was nothing that could be done, so the brothers were forced to make the long trip back home.

“I think it’s pretty discriminatory,” said Thomas, a current student at Northern New Mexico College who is thinking about transferring to CSU. “Me and my brother just stayed to ourselves the whole time. I guess that was scaring people—that we were just quiet.”

In a lengthy statement from the university's president Dr. Tony Franks, he apologized on behalf of CSU and referred to the event as “sad and frustrating from nearly every angle.” 

“Two young men, through no fault of their own, wound up frightened and humiliated because another campus visitor was concerned about their clothes and overall demeanor, which appears to have simply been shyness.  The very idea that someone – anyone – might “look” like they don’t belong on a CSU Admissions tour is anathema.”

CSU states they have attempted to get in touch with the family, offering a full VIP tour with all expenses paid while also reimbursing them for their original tour.

The incident follows a string of other events tied to racisim and hate groups across the university over the past year, including a paper noose found hanging in a residence hall.

Cattle Decapitation responded to the incident via Facebook, promising the brothers free admission to their shows for life.