February 9, 2016
Unit 1: Constitutional Underpinnings & Federalism

Missouri bill would revoke scholarships if student-athletes strike 

Summary  

Tim Wolfe

In the case of the Missouri Tigers athletics team (University of Missouri), state legislator is proposing a bill that would violate their rights. The bill would retract athletes' scholarships if anyone "calls, incites, supports or participates in any strike." There have been hunger strikes and protests for the resignation of president Tim Wolfe due to the dislike of his office's reaction to the handling of racial discrimination complaints. Football players refused to play or eat until Wolfe resigned which he did on Nov. 9. Several bills have been proposed in response to the unrest at the University of Missouri. 

Analysis 

The Bill of Rights and Constitution are documents defending everyone's personal unalienable rights. As the University of Missouri tries to get support for this bill, they come close to violating the students' right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. The school does acknowledge this by stating, "The issue really is, they can have the freedom of speech (when they) like or don't like something on campus, but if they're going to receive state money, there are going to be ramifications." The term "state money" refers to the scholarships students are receiving. Scholarships work similar to categorical grants, as the school gives students money, the students should obey school guidelines to continue receiving money. The school board believes that if students accept this money they should not back-lash against the school. Even if the bill did pass, a majority of students and student-athletes say they will continue to protest as it is their born right. Regarding these bills, legislative session was held on Jan. 6.


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