A Nebraska resident filed a lawsuit against the University of Nebraska following its first touchdown balloon released celebration. The suit claimed the said balloons brings harmful effects in the nature and poses threat to young children.
According to the 14-page court papers filed by Randall S. Krause, a resident from Omaha on Monday, he claimed the tradition of the school, dated back to 1940s contributes amounts to "open dumping of solid waste, Sporting News cited. It has been the tradition of the school for many decades, such as the singing the English version of "99 Luftballons", which was a German song in 1983.
Thousands of Nebraska fans have released red balloons after the Cornhuskers score their first touchdown during home games. However, the plaintiff argues that the said practice can cause environmental damage.
Aside from it, Krause stated on his lawsuit that it is also pose a threat to younger generations. Balloons can land in the Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, Bleach Report reported. It was also not the first time that the university is in legal dispute regarding the old tradition, as an environmentalist also argues fro similar reason.
Back in the year 2011, Matt Havelka, of the Daily Nebraskan said the school had taken "proactive steps" in order to make sure the tradition has a little effect on the environment. "Many years ago we switched to biodegradable balloons," That way we can keep the tradition alive without hurting the environment."
A spokesperson for the university refused to make comments, however, they said they already know the legal complaint. According to ESPN, the school used balloons made of biodegradable latex with environmentally friendly cotton strings.
The plaintiff argues the balloons have "become solid waste the moment they are out of sight of the fans." Krause's lawsuit seeks an injunction to stop the school from promoting the practice during football games.
Previously, a Nebraska environmentalist also started a petition on change.org in 2014, but failed, after it garnered only 587 signatures with a goal of 1,000.
