Photo by Jason Creps

The New Pornographers are not actually pornographers, as far as we know. But that didn't stop Calvin College, a Christian institution of higher education in Michigan, from canceling a planned October 15 New Pornographers show on campus. The Grand Rapids Press reports that the band's name is indeed the reason for the cancellation. Thanks to Keller Davis for the tip.

A press release from the college spells it out: "After weeks of discussion and consideration, the irony of the band's name was impossible to explain to many. The band's name, to some, is mistakenly associated with pornography. Consequently, Calvin, to some, was mistakenly associated with pornography. Neither the college nor the band endorses pornography."

The statement goes on: "We regret the message we have sent to the band and their fans with this cancellation. We have been in contact with the band to explain this regret and the breakdown in our own processes that led us to first invite them and then withdraw that invitation. Calvin College remains committed to the difficult, yet important work at faithfully engaging popular culture." But this work wouldn't be so difficult if bands would stop throwing around dirty words, would it?

This isn't the first time that religious types have taken issue with the band's name. Now someone at the Bob Jones University student activities office, please try to get a Fucked Up show booked. Please.