Family-Friendly UM Parade Marred by Anti-Trump Banner Violating Multiple Rules

MISSOULA, MT — A University of Montana Homecoming Parade entry featuring politically charged accusations against President Donald Trump appears to have violated multiple parade rules, raising questions about enforcement procedures and screening processes for the annual community event.

A photograph shared with Western Montana News shows two participants carrying a banner with the text “Pedophile President” and references to disputed claims about Trump’s alleged connection to Jeffrey Epstein. The banner references a disputed entry from what’s known as Epstein’s “birthday book,” compiled by convicted felon Ghislaine Maxwell, containing an alleged message from Trump that the former president has denied writing.

The entry appears to violate at least three established parade rules, according to the official regulations published by the University of Montana Alumni Association.

Rule Violations Identified

Rule #2 specifically prohibits entries that “discriminate against, is offensive to or disparages any person or group” and requires displays to focus on “positive UM spirit-building artistic theme and message.” The banner’s content directly contradicts this requirement with its accusatory language.

Rule #11 mandates that “all floats and vehicles must be decorated with the Homecoming theme,” which this year was “Party Like It’s 1995.” The political banner bore no connection to the nostalgic 1990s theme intended to celebrate university spirit.

Rule #12 requires parade entries to display their official lineup position number and organization name on a minimum 36″ x 24″ card prominently placed on the front of entries. No such identification was visible in the photograph.

Perhaps most significantly, Rule #1 grants the Parade Committee explicit authority to “bar from the Parade, AT ANY TIME, any entry not conforming to the rules and regulations, or refusing to follow instructions of police or Parade officials.” Despite apparent violations, the entry was allowed to continue.

Safety Concerns and Previous Incidents

The incident comes amid heightened attention to parade safety and community standards following harassment incidents during last year’s homecoming parade. In September, Western Montana News reported that families and children participating in the Missoula County Republican Central Committee’s float faced jeering and harassment from spectators.

University President Seth Bodnar, who was unaware of last year’s incidents until contacted by this news organization, expressed regret and committed to enhancing the university’s “Event Action Plan” for homecoming to ensure “people from all backgrounds, walks of life, and political perspectives are welcomed, supported, and included.”

Just days before this year’s parade, Parade Coordinator Hannah J. Moreau sent an email to participants emphasizing safety protocols due to “several last-minute cancellations and other logistical adjustments.” Moreau’s message stressed that “safety is our top priority” and reminded participants about proper conduct.

“While parades are public events and we cannot control every interaction, we ask that all participants and spectators contribute to an environment of respect and celebration,” Moreau wrote in the October 9 email.

Enforcement Questions

The apparent rule violations raise questions about the screening and enforcement processes for parade entries. The University of Montana Alumni Association, which organizes the parade, requires all participants to acknowledge the rules as “required reading for all entries.”

Rule #1’s language gives parade organizers broad discretionary authority to maintain standards, stating the committee “reserves the right of final decision on entries accepted for the Parade.” The decision to allow an entry that appears to violate multiple rules suggests either gaps in the screening process or selective enforcement of established regulations.

The rules emphasize creating a positive, inclusive atmosphere appropriate for families and the university community. Rule #2’s requirement for “positive UM spirit-building” content directly contrasts with the accusatory political messaging displayed in the contested entry.

Official Response Pending

Western Montana News has contacted both Moreau and President Bodnar for comment on the apparent rule violations and enforcement procedures. Neither had responded by publication time.

The incident has prompted formal complaint action from prominent community members. According to the individual who shared the photograph with Western Montana News, another person who witnessed the parade entry plans to contact the CEO of the Alumni Association early next week to schedule a meeting and file a formal complaint about the banner. The complainant is a lifetime alumna whose husband holds Distinguished Alumnus status at the university.

The incident represents a departure from the homecoming parade’s traditional role as a family-friendly community celebration designed to bring people together in support of university pride. The parade typically features floats from student organizations, local businesses, and community groups focused on school spirit and the annual homecoming theme.

The controversy deepens existing political divisions in a community that has experienced significant tensions over political viewpoints, particularly targeting supporters of Donald Trump. This latest incident follows a pattern of harassment and confrontational behavior that has prompted safety concerns among Republican participants and their families.

For a university event meant to foster community unity and celebrate shared school pride, the presence of divisive political messaging that violates established rules raises fundamental questions about whether parade organizers are committed to maintaining the welcoming, inclusive environment that homecoming is intended to represent.