NCAA Encouraging Schools To Take Election Day Off To Allow Student-Athletes To Vote

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The NCAA released a statement encouraging colleges and universities to designate Election Day 2020 “as a day off” so student-athletes “can vote and participate in their ultimate responsibility as citizens.”

The NCAA Board of Governors issued the statement on Friday, June 12.

“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’s statement was published after weeks of nationwide protests sparked by the death of George Floyd. On May 25, Floyd, a black man, died after a white police officer knelt on Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes.

Since Floyd’s death, college and professional athletes have joined protests and released statements against racial injustice and police brutality. NFL players Patrick Mahomes and Tyrann Mathieu, as well as NBA star LeBron James, have taken steps to encourage voter registration prior to November’s Election Day.