The committee said it will not sanction athletes who protest during the Olympics.
U.S. athletes competing at the Olympic and Paralympic trials will be allowed to take part in racial and social justice demonstrations like kneeling during the national anthem, wearing clothing that says “Black Lives Matter” and advocating for equal rights for marginalized communities, according to new guidelines the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee announced Tuesday. The new guidelines come after the USOPC announced in December that the committee wouldn’t sanction athletes for “peacefully and respectfully demonstrating” during the Olympic games. At the time, USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland said, “We need to continue to use the platforms we have available to us to foster discussion, education and action for racial and social justice.
