Today, the NCAA Board of Governors released a statement on social activism, designating Nov. 3, 2020, Election Day, as a day-off for student-athletes. This comes after a number of student-athletes were involved in peaceful protests and gatherings in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
Here is the full statement from Mark Emmert and the NCAA Board of Governors:
President Mark Emmert and the NCAA Board of Governors recognize the important role social engagement has on driving positive societal change. The recent demonstrations following the tragic killing of George Floyd showed the world the power of protest and student-athletes across the country were at the center of that movement. We commend NCAA student-athletes who recognized the need for change and took action though safe and peaceful protest. We encourage students to continue to make their voices heard on these important issues, engage in community activism and exercise their Constitutional rights. Further, we encourage all member schools to assist students in registering to vote in the upcoming national election and designate November 3, 2020 as a day off from athletics activity so athletes can vote and participate in their ultimate responsibility as citizens.
The NCAA is doing the right thing here in my opinion. Student-athletes should be emboldened to support their beliefs and encouraged to vote by collegiate institutions.
