I was very excited to learn earlier this year that the Royal Hanneford Circus would not be returning to Breslin Center. This decision was considered a victory to me and many other MSU students as we fought hard last year to discourage the circus’ return.
As you well know by now, the Royal Hanneford has been cited numerous times for animal cruelty and many students were glad to see it removed from Breslin’s schedule.
Recently, I learned the MSU Board of Trustees is being pressured to bring the circus back next year.
While I understand the board’s dilemma, I urge the trustees to keep their promise to MSU students and refuse to bring back the Royal Hanneford Circus.
For residents who are really bent on attending some kind of circus, there are several all-human, humane circuses that tour the U.S.
Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, Lazer Vaudeville and 7 Fingers circuses are a few humane circuses that offer the appeal of circus entertainment with all-human casts.
Bringing one of these circuses to Breslin in place of an outdated animal circus, like the Royal Hanneford, should satisfy students and community members, as well as circus patrons, who oppose cruelty.
Last year hundreds of MSU students joined together to fight for a cause they believed in — an end to Breslin’s support of animal cruelty.
The board’s decision to uphold the wishes of the students and refuse to support animal cruelty on campus was applauded by students and other members of the East Lansing community.
Please keep your word to the students and do not reconsider bringing the Royal Hanneford Circus back to Breslin.
Katy DeSantis
journalism sophomore
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