Austin, TX – April 4, 2025
In a highly controversial move, the University of Texas has announced it will withdraw athletic scholarships from any student-athletes who kneel during the national anthem at sporting events. The decision, confirmed by university officials on Wednesday, has sparked nationwide debate and drawn criticism from civil rights groups, students, and public figures.
The university stated the new policy is aimed at preserving “unity, discipline, and respect for national values,” claiming that protest actions during the anthem are “inconsistent with the school’s mission and standards of conduct.”
“Student-athletes are representatives of the university, both on and off the field. We believe in peaceful expression, but not in ways that we feel divide our community during national symbols like the anthem,” said Athletic Director Mark Jensen in a press release.
The policy applies to all sports and is effective immediately. Any current scholarship holder who kneels during the anthem will forfeit their scholarship and face potential removal from their team. According to the university, at least four student-athletes have already been affected by the policy.
Critics argue the move is a violation of students’ First Amendment rights. “This is nothing short of retaliation against peaceful protest,” said Sherrie Davis, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). “Kneeling is a well-recognized form of nonviolent protest, and punishing students for exercising their freedom of expression is deeply troubling.”
Student-led protests have already begun on the Austin campus, with hundreds gathering near the university’s main tower on Thursday afternoon. Social media has also erupted with the hashtag #LetThemKneel, calling for the university to reverse its decision.
Former NFL quarterback and activist Colin Kaepernick, who popularized kneeling during the anthem as a protest against police brutality, weighed in via Twitter: “Silencing protest doesn’t solve injustice. It only proves why the protest is necessary.”
As of now, university officials have not indicated any plans to reverse the policy, despite mounting pressure. Legal challenges are expected in the coming weeks.
