In a rebuff of the International Olympic Committee, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) announced they would not punish athletes who engage in peaceful demonstrations to support social and racial justice. “The USOPC’s decision recognized that Team USA athletes serve as a beacon of inspiration and unity globally, and their voices have and will be a force for good and progress in our society,” said Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the USOPC. (The Hill, December 10, 2020, by Sarah Polus)
The USOPC would not punish athletes who wish to protest in peaceful ways as in kneeling or raising a fist at a medal ceremony. U.S. athletes are now petitioning the international committee for a change in their policy about protest in advance of the Tokyo Olympics next year. (The New York Times, December 10, 2020, by Andrew Keh and Gillian R. Brassil with contributions from Matt Futterman)