Student Athlete Activism in a Millennial World
College student athletes are among the most recognized students in their communities, across the country, and in some cases around the world. Their voices hold a significant esteem, and they can impact many societal and political issues. Some have postulated that college student-athletes are hesitant to be a part of these politics, but during the past few years, many have taken stands through social media and through protests on their campuses that have been in opposition to the stances of their coaches, their university's administration, and their teammates. Many, however, challenge the role that student athletes have in these protests. This chapter will explore the history of student athlete activism and its developmental aspects, highlight the more recent instances of such activism, and finally discuss how university administration and others can support and be responsive to the concerns that are expressed by this unique set of students.