At the University of Illinois, athletics are a highly viewed aspect of the school. Student athletes serve as public figures as they represent the school in competitions.
At other campuses, athletes have used their status as a public figure to speak out about social issues. For example, many athletes have spoken out about racial injustices, Black Lives Matter, Standing Rock and police brutality.
While our campus has not experienced these protests first hand, U of I athletes as well as coaches have voiced their opinion on the matter. There is a debate over whether athlete should speak out or simply focus on their sport. To hear the voices from the Illini athletes and coaches click here.
DJ Smoot, Illinois defensive end, said that education on social issues is key when making a stand.
“There’s only repercussions if you're not educated,” he said. “If you want to take a stance you need to educate yourself before you do it because there’s going to be a lot of questions coming your way that you have to be able to answer.”
Smoot said that athletes should be able to speak about anything despite their status. Even though athletes are always being watched for their actions off the field, as long as they protest in a respectful way, Smoot said, they're allowed to have an opinion.
At other campuses, athletes have used their status as a public figure to speak out about social issues. For example, many athletes have spoken out about racial injustices, Black Lives Matter, Standing Rock and police brutality.
While our campus has not experienced these protests first hand, U of I athletes as well as coaches have voiced their opinion on the matter. There is a debate over whether athlete should speak out or simply focus on their sport. To hear the voices from the Illini athletes and coaches click here.
DJ Smoot, Illinois defensive end, said that education on social issues is key when making a stand.
“There’s only repercussions if you're not educated,” he said. “If you want to take a stance you need to educate yourself before you do it because there’s going to be a lot of questions coming your way that you have to be able to answer.”
Smoot said that athletes should be able to speak about anything despite their status. Even though athletes are always being watched for their actions off the field, as long as they protest in a respectful way, Smoot said, they're allowed to have an opinion.