Clemson University’s decision to end athletics for men has led many black athletes to speak out.
Russell Dinkins, a Princeton activist and former runner, recently filed a civil rights complaint against Clemson. He shared the impact “cutting athletics teams has on black students”.
“The goal is to save Clemson’s route program, but it is also intended to tell all colleges that getting rid of route programs is not an acceptable option,” ESPN reported. “You can’t eliminate a sport that gives black athletes disproportionate opportunities.”
A new movement
The community’s mission is to resume course programs for black athletes. Frustrated alumni, students and parents came together for the #SaveClemsonXCTF movement. In a video released in November, advocates of the movement labeled Clemson’s actions as racist. A Change.org petition was also signed by more than 32,000 people.
Dinkins believes schools benefit from black athletes. Unfortunately, many believe that schools ignore their athletes when they stop generating income. Dinkins wants more schools to understand the limited opportunities for black students on college campuses.
The Daily News reported that one in thirty black male students in Clemson is on the men’s athletics team. The cancellation of the track can lead to a reduction in enrollment and financial possibilities.
Clemson Cost Reduction
Dan Radakovich, Clemson Director of Athletics, shared how cutting routes would save the university $ 2 million.
“In our long-term planning we have dealt with the demographic change of the Clemson campus,” said Radakovich in a prepared statement. “Of Clemson’s men’s sports, only athletics and cross-country skiing for men have offered the division both significant cost savings and the ability to maintain Title IX long-term compliance.”
Clemson wasn’t the only university that canceled sports programs. Stanford announced in a statement to the university community that 11 varsity sports programs would be eliminated. Likewise, the University of Iowa will cancel four sports programs due to funding cuts.
Keeping the dream alive
Many black guys who were looking forward to taking part in college courses may not get this chance. Some may not even enroll in university programs. Athletic scholarships provided most of the financial support black athletes needed.
“The history of athletics is one where children from all over the world, regardless of race or income, have more or less an equal chance to excel,” Dinkins shared on Instagram. “It’s a beautiful story of access that universities should rely on as a source of pride, and yet so many like @clemsonuniversity see athletics as a burden.”
Comments are closed.