Stanford Needs Pirates Again
The university's defining tension is captured in the line:
“Stanford shouldn’t be the Navy; it should be the Pirates.”This phrase represents the struggle between order and openness, procedure and disruption, safety and courage.
The Pirates have been dealt a symbolic blow with the loss of their home, the lake, which led to a decline in piracy. The draining of the lake and the COVID pandemic further accelerated this decline, with the Navy's increasing dominance stripping the Band's independence and shuttering Greek life and theme houses.
The alumni fondly remember these last safe havens of piracy, which are now lost. The university's shift towards the Navy's values has tamed the pirate spirit.
Author's summary: Stanford lost its pirate spirit.
- Navy: order, procedure, safety
- Pirates: openness, disruption, courage
More News
- Lando Norris wins his first F1 title despite Max Verstappen victory: Live updates and reaction
- Islanders vs. Lightning (Dec 6, 2025) Pregame
- Lightning vs. Islanders Prediction, Odds, Picks - Dec. 6
- When does 2026 F1 season start?
- Hamilton urges Ferrari to make 'personnel changes' ahead of F1 2026
- How former Gonzaga stars perform in NBA
- JUST IN: Kelly Olynyk has been waived by the San Antonio Spurs
- Spurs' Luke Kornet out Friday
- Guadeloupean artist Kelly Sinnapah Mary wins French art prize at Art Basel Miami Beach
- Jack Osbourne breaks silence on jungle feud with Kelly Brook