Created: 10/6/2009 6:04:14 PM 
Greensboro, NC -- Leaders at A&T don't want gangs and violence mixing with their reputation... even lyrically speaking.
When they couldn't pull the plug on rapper Gucci Mane, they pulled the school off the bill.
Administrators at North Carolina A&T are dropping the university's name and financial support from their homecoming concert on October 31. The concert drew criticism from student leaders and community members due to the headlining artist's violence and gang centered lyrics.
Mane, who's real name is Radric Davis, has also had run-ins with the law. He was arrested in DeKalb County, Georgia in 2006 for a possible connection to a fatal shooting. He was later released.
A&T's Chancellor, Dr. Harold Martin, released a statement to the campus community on Monday. "While we have benefited from this internal review, we find ourselves with limited options.
We must respect the rights of our partners; honor our legal obligations; while remaining steadfast to our principles. We have agreed with the promoter to remove the name of North Carolina A&T State University from the event. While this does not absolve us of our connection to the event, it allows us, within our limited options, to take a moral stand while we simultaneously honor our legal obligations."
Read Dr. Martin's Full Statement
Even fans don't deny Mane's words can be inflammatory and glorify gangs.
But some students say the dropping the school's name is too little too late.
"Being in college and going to parties, he does like promote violence," said freshman Latishia Vincent. "Usually when his music come on people get hyped and start fighting and stuff."
But even if the lyrics spurs violence, for some, the university's decision smacks of hypocrisy.
"I don't understand why it makes a difference... why they have their name on there or not because they've had gang-affiliated members before," pointed out sophomore Kavaughn Robinson.
The school's name is already on the tickets and still on the marquee. Students point out some people who come to the 'greatest homecoming on earth' won't even know the difference.
"We really don't care as much who's name was on it as long as it's still going on," said Robinson.
Students themselves voted to have Gucci Mane perform at the event. The concert will still take place on Saturday without a connection to the University. An estimated 6,000 tickets have already been sold.
WFMY News 2
