The NCAA is encouraging all member schools to give student-athletes a day off on Nov. 3, which is presidential election day.
Several schools already have helped students register to vote and agreed to leave the date open for voting. The move was spurred by social protests that have arisen since the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis last month.
While the NCAA can’t mandate such action, many campuses likely will follow suit.
“President Mark Emmert and the NCAA Board of Governors recognize the important role social engagement has on driving positive societal change. The recent demonstrations following the tragic killing of George Floyd showed the world the power of protest and student-athletes across the country were at the center of that movement,” an NCAA statement, issued Friday, read.
“We commend NCAA student-athletes who recognized the need for change and took action though safe and peaceful protest. We encourage students to continue to make their voices heard on these important issues, engage in community activism and exercise their Constitutional rights. Further, we encourage all member schools to assist students in registering to vote in the upcoming national election and designate November 3, 2020, as a day off from athletics activity so athletes can vote and participate in their ultimate responsibility as citizens.”