‘IU sucks’ may turn to ‘Cancer sucks’ to honor Purdue student

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI/WISH) — On the Purdue University campus, the Boiler Nation wants its fans to change a now-signature cheer.

Instead of screaming “IU sucks,” the school wants 50,000 fans to chant “cancer sucks.” The change could first be heard during opening kickoff Saturday when Purdue hosts No. 2 Ohio State. 

The suggestion comes as fans rally around student Tyler Trent. He recently announced a leave from the school to battle bone cancer.

Purdue President Mitch Daniels has always been against the anti-Indiana University chant. He said he gets letters from fans saying they can’t bring their children to games anymore, but he knows he can’t stop it. 

Daniels, Indiana’s former governor, said, “We are adamant around here about protecting free expression, and we mean it whether we like the expression or we don’t. Just maybe at some point it will wear out its welcome, or folks will think of something more clever.”