Syracuse men’s lacrosse must acknowledge the harm caused by the team’s “burn the boats” practice jerseys, our guest columnists write.⁠ ⁠ The slogan — displayed on the jerseys and used to exemplify the team’s ethos for the season — glorifies Hernán Cortés’ conquest and disregards the Indigenous origins of lacrosse.⁠ ⁠ “Given the colonial history of the phrase ‘burn the boats,’ using it as a boastful slogan in any sport would be deplorable. But to use it in lacrosse, a sport still widely known as an Indigenous game, is especially cruel,” they write.⁠ ⁠ In a statement to The D.O. responding to this piece ahead of publication, John Stark, a Syracuse Athletics spokesperson wrote, “We thank those in our community who brought the concerns associated with this phrase to our attention. The team will not be wearing these warm up jerseys going forward.”⁠ ⁠ Click the link in our bio for more. Photograph by @eli.schwartz.photo.