College Athlete Activism, Interest Convergence, and the Changing Landscape of Intercollegiate Athletics

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 15
  In Roundtable Session: Diverse College Athletes (Table 4)

Abstract

The purpose of this manuscript is to explore the impact of different forms of college athlete activism on the changing landscape of intercollegiate athletics. Using critical race theory (particularly the tenets of interest convergence, intercentricity of racism and other forms of subordination, counter storytelling, and critique of liberalism) and a sport activism typology, recent changes with the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) amateurism policy, specifically the name, image, and likeness (NIL) bylaw, is explored. Examining the interplay between historical and contemporary forms of college athlete activism based on the time and context (i.e., ongoing national unrest during the COVID-19 pandemic and post highly publicized killing of George Floyd) provide insightful information for future reform efforts grounded in equity and inclusion.

Author

• Joseph N. Cooper, University of Massachusetts - Boston