Southern Illinois University has banned displays of activism. Last college football season, three cheerleaders had protested during the national anthem. The protest joined a wider group of people who have taken a stance against racial inequality and social injustice.
Three cheerleaders — Czarina Tinker of Nashville and Ariahn Hunt and Laysia Brandy of Chicago — protested last season. Now, Brandy is the only one of the trio to return to the squad.
“It is a privilege and not a right to be a student-athlete, cheerleader or spirit member at Southern Illinois University,” Liz Jarnigan, SIU Athletics senior woman administrator, stated Southern Illinois Bans ‘Displays Of Activism’ .
“Members of the department including student athletes cheerleaders and spirit members must remain neutral on any issue political in nature when wearing SIU official uniforms and when competing/performing in official department of athletics events and activities. Any display (verbal or non-verbal) of activism (either for or against) a political issue will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal from the program.”
Brandy has also revealed that she will no longer take a knee during the anthem, but she continues to believe that there needs to be reform in our officer training.
“It was already decided upon to not take a knee again because we accomplished what we were going for by bringing attention to our cause and now it’s time for change,” Brandy said. “America, as a country, is very reactive instead of proactive and that needs to change.
“Background checks on said police officers and when it does come down to them breaking the law and abusing their power they need to be held accountable to the fullest to show other officers you can’t get away with crime, that you can’t hide behind a badge. It’s time for change.”
The Salukis officially kickoff their 2018 campaign on Thursday, Aug. 29 against the Murray State Racers. Kickoff at Roy Stewart Stadium is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.
