The NAACP has kicked off a campaign asking Black student-athletes to boycott certain Southern colleges. This comes after the Supreme Court’s recent decision, which weakened the Voting Rights Act. The ruling impacted majority-Black districts in Louisiana and raised concerns about similar efforts across the South.
NAACP President Derrick Johnson emphasized that they won’t let institutions profit from Black athletes while ignoring voting rights for Black communities. The targeted universities largely belong to the Southeastern Conference, including big names like the University of Alabama and the University of Georgia.
This campaign, dubbed “Out of Bounds,” reflects a growing frustration among voting rights activists. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was designed to protect minority voters, and many feel this recent ruling is a significant regression. As soon as the decision came, the Tennessee Legislature acted swiftly, splitting the state’s only majority-Black district into three parts, which sparked a local lawmaker, Rep. Steve Cohen, to withdraw from the race.
The backlash has been substantial. Just days after the ruling, thousands protested in Alabama, recalling past civil rights struggles and highlighting ongoing voting injustices. The area has a history steeped in resistance to integration, yet today, its athletic programs are often diverse.
The NAACP urges fans and alumni of these colleges to support historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) instead. The group also calls for states to adopt new voting rights measures.
Reactions to the campaign were immediate. Congressional leaders, like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, voiced support, referencing the legacy of Black athletes advocating for civil rights. During a recent conference, Sen. Raphael Warnock noted the responsibility of athletes and administrators at these schools to speak out against the ruling.
On the flip side, some public figures criticized the NAACP’s strategy, asserting that student-athletes shouldn’t be leveraged for political purposes. Meanwhile, discussions are heating up online about the role of Black athletes in this movement. Supporters argue that their choices could significantly impact the financial landscape of these universities.
Comedian D.L. Hughley highlighted that if top athletes start opting out of schools in states with unfair voting practices, it could prompt change from university leaders and even media outlets like ESPN.
Almost all the colleges mentioned by the NAACP are part of the SEC, which has previously addressed racial issues. In 2020, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey warned Mississippi about hosting championships due to its state flag’s Confederate emblem. This indicates that university leaders are increasingly aware of social justice concerns.
As the NAACP’s campaign continues, it could reshape the conversation around athletics and social responsibility in sports.
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