Northwestern University, The University of Missouri, and the “Student-Athlete”: Mobilization Efforts and the Future

Authors

  • Adam Epstein Central Michigan University
  • Kathryn Kisska-Schulze Clemson University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1123/jlas.2016-0009

Abstract

Student-athletes have a powerful voice in issues that matter to them. This was most recently demonstrated in two ways, including the 2014 Northwestern University football team’s unsuccessful attempt to organize as a union, and the 2015 University of Missouri’s successful demonstration, both in-person and via social media, ultimately resulting in the resignation of the president of the University. The paper explores the history of student-athlete mobilizations and demonstrates that it should come as no surprise to see increasingly public attempts in the future as student-athletes become more aware of their rights and the campaigns and concerns of others. Student-athletes may continue to influence public opinion and NCAA member institutions as the NCAA rules evolve in the era of social media and instant access to causes and campaigns.

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Published

2016-01-31

Issue

Section

Original Research