On Tuesday, the NAACP kicked off a campaign called “Out of Bounds.” This initiative is urging Black athletes, their families, alumni, and fans to boycott athletic programs at public universities in states that are working to limit Black voting rights.
The campaign highlights eight states—Tennessee, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, and Georgia—that together earn more than $100 million annually from their flagship athletic programs. These states have altered their voting maps to weaken Black representation. This push follows a Supreme Court decision that weakened parts of the Voting Rights Act.
Derrick Johnson, the NAACP’s president, voiced strong concern, stating that these actions are more than just political disagreements. They aim to erase Black political power. He insists it’s hypocritical for schools that rely on Black athletes to fill seats and generate revenue to remain silent on such critical issues.
As part of the campaign, athletes being recruited by these universities are encouraged to wait before committing. They should ask coaches about the universities’ stance on voting rights and consider attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) instead. Current athletes are encouraged to speak out on voting rights and consider their options, including transferring to other schools.
Fans, alumni, and donors are also being asked to cut financial support for these targeted programs. Instead, the NAACP is encouraging them to invest in HBCUs and their associated programs.
Tylik McMillan, the NAACP’s youth and college division director, emphasized the importance of recognizing the connection between political actions and the communities these athletes come from. He believes the campaign aims to redirect power back to where it belongs.
Historically, athletes have successfully pressured universities on political issues. In 2020, Mississippi athletes campaigned against the state flag featuring the Confederate emblem, leading to a change. Additionally, in 2015, the University of Missouri football team joined student protests against racism on campus, refusing to participate in activities until the university president resigned.
The “Out of Bounds” campaign serves as a response to recent legislative changes threatening voting rights. Just recently, the Congressional Black Caucus voiced its opposition to a bill aimed at standardizing athlete contracts, addressing the silence of major athletic institutions on voting rights issues.
Meanwhile, a rally in Montgomery, Alabama, gathered thousands, calling for ongoing protests and economic boycotts to safeguard voting rights, drawing on historical successes of similar movements.
This campaign resonates with a growing trend where athletes leverage their platforms for social justice, showcasing the power of collective action. As the discussion around voting rights heats up, the NAACP’s efforts highlight the critical intersection of sports, politics, and community representation.
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