{"id":34538,"date":"2026-02-19T12:27:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T12:27:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/?p=34538"},"modified":"2026-02-19T21:34:26","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T21:34:26","slug":"new-usc-study-pro-athletes-overwhelmingly-back-activism-rights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/new-usc-study-pro-athletes-overwhelmingly-back-activism-rights\/","title":{"rendered":"New USC Study: Pro Athletes Overwhelmingly Back Activism Rights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-blockquote uagb-block-e7eb3fc3 uagb-blockquote__skin-border uagb-blockquote__stack-img-none\"><blockquote class=\"uagb-blockquote\"><div class=\"uagb-blockquote__content\">A new national study from USC\u2019s Race and Equity Center finds 94% of professional athletes believe they should be able to engage in activism, with most planning to use social media to speak out on racial injustice. Researchers say the findings challenge leagues, teams and fans to support athletes\u2019 voices.<\/div><footer><div class=\"uagb-blockquote__author-wrap uagb-blockquote__author-at-left\"><\/div><\/footer><\/blockquote><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-space-between is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-0dfbf163 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><div style=\"font-size:16px;\" class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-post-author\"><div class=\"wp-block-post-author__content\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-author__name\">The University Network<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share uagb-social-share__outer-wrap uagb-social-share__layout-horizontal uagb-block-ee584a31\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share-child uagb-ss-repeater uagb-ss__wrapper uagb-block-ec619ce7\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__link\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"facebook\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-wrap\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M504 256C504 119 393 8 256 8S8 119 8 256c0 123.8 90.69 226.4 209.3 245V327.7h-63V256h63v-54.64c0-62.15 37-96.48 93.67-96.48 27.14 0 55.52 4.84 55.52 4.84v61h-31.28c-30.8 0-40.41 19.12-40.41 38.73V256h68.78l-11 71.69h-57.78V501C413.3 482.4 504 379.8 504 256z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share-child uagb-ss-repeater uagb-ss__wrapper uagb-block-32d99934\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__link\" data-href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"twitter\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-wrap\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M389.2 48h70.6L305.6 224.2 487 464H345L233.7 318.6 106.5 464H35.8L200.7 275.5 26.8 48H172.4L272.9 180.9 389.2 48zM364.4 421.8h39.1L151.1 88h-42L364.4 421.8z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-social-share-child uagb-ss-repeater uagb-ss__wrapper uagb-block-1d136f14\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__link\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?url=\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"linkedin\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-wrap\"><span class=\"uagb-ss__source-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M416 32H31.9C14.3 32 0 46.5 0 64.3v383.4C0 465.5 14.3 480 31.9 480H416c17.6 0 32-14.5 32-32.3V64.3c0-17.8-14.4-32.3-32-32.3zM135.4 416H69V202.2h66.5V416zm-33.2-243c-21.3 0-38.5-17.3-38.5-38.5S80.9 96 102.2 96c21.2 0 38.5 17.3 38.5 38.5 0 21.3-17.2 38.5-38.5 38.5zm282.1 243h-66.4V312c0-24.8-.5-56.7-34.5-56.7-34.6 0-39.9 27-39.9 54.9V416h-66.4V202.2h63.7v29.2h.9c8.9-16.8 30.6-34.5 62.9-34.5 67.2 0 79.7 44.3 79.7 101.9V416z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Professional athletes across major U.S. leagues overwhelmingly believe they should be able to speak out on social and political issues \u2014 and most plan to keep doing it, especially on racial justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That is the message from a new national report, \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/race.usc.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Harper-and-Morrow-2026-Report.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Let Us Speak: Pro Athletes\u2019 Views on Social Justice and Activism<\/a>,\u201d released by the Race and Equity Center at the University of Southern California.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on survey responses from 407 professional athletes in the WNBA, Major League Soccer and the National Women\u2019s Soccer League, the study offers one of the most wide-ranging looks yet at how players view activism, what they have done in the past and what they intend to do next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The researchers found that 94% of athletes agree that players should be allowed to use their platforms to engage in activism. Large majorities also support team-wide, league-wide and even cross-league collaboration on justice efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The findings reveal both strong commitment and real concern, according to co-author Shaun Harper, a professor at the USC Rossier School of Education and the USC Race and Equity Center\u2019s founder and chief research scientist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOur study makes painstakingly clear that pro athletes want to speak publicly about injustice, yet too many feel unsafe doing so,\u201d Harper said in a news release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The report comes amid intense debate over political comments and protests by athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games and in professional sports more broadly. For years, players have faced criticism, backlash and, in some cases, professional consequences for speaking out on issues such as police violence, voting rights and racial inequality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The new study suggests that, despite those risks, activism has become a core part of how many athletes see their role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Social media is central to that work. Posting on platforms such as Instagram, X and TikTok was the most common form of activism reported in the survey and remains the top way athletes expect to engage in the future. More than seven in 10 respondents said they plan to post about racial injustice going forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the summer of 2020, in the months after George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer, nearly three-quarters of surveyed athletes posted about racial injustice on social media. Only a small share \u2014 12.3% \u2014 said they did none of the activism activities listed in the survey during the four months after Floyd\u2019s death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The report also highlights important differences across leagues and demographic groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>WNBA players reported the highest levels of activism on nearly every measure, including past participation, expected future engagement and fewer perceived barriers to speaking out. The women\u2019s basketball league has been widely recognized for its visible role in racial justice and voting rights campaigns in recent years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Black athletes in the study reported the highest levels of visible and political engagement and were most likely to say that nothing would stop them from taking part in future activism. Athletes who grew up mostly in the United States reported higher levels of protest participation and political engagement than teammates who spent most of their childhoods in other countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>White athletes, meanwhile, expressed strong support for racial justice in principle but were more likely to stick to lower-risk activities, to worry about backlash and to avoid direct involvement in politics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most common concerns across the sample was the fear of saying \u201cthe wrong thing.\u201d That anxiety was the most frequently cited anticipated barrier to future activism, suggesting that many players want to speak up but are unsure how to do so safely and effectively in a polarized environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even so, just over half of all athletes said nothing would prevent them from engaging in activism in the future. Fewer than 2% of respondents said they were indifferent to racial injustice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Co-author Justin Morrow, a former MLS All-Star and MLS Cup champion who now serves as the Race and Equity Center\u2019s head of sports partnerships and programs, notes the findings underscore the influence athletes have \u2014 and how they want to use it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cFew voices cut through the noise like those of athletes; when they speak millions pay attention,\u201d Morrow said in the news release. \u201cThe players we surveyed recognize the power of their platforms, and they want to use them with purpose. As someone who has lived that experience, I know that athletes can be catalysts for change when they are allowed to speak.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The report does not just describe the landscape; it also offers a roadmap. \u201cLet Us Speak\u201d concludes with 18 practical recommendations aimed at athletes, coaches, team executives and players associations. While the report\u2019s detailed suggestions are geared toward people inside the sports world, the authors also include one clear takeaway for the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They urge spectators to support athletes\u2019 rights to express their views, even when they disagree. As the report puts it, \u201cEven fans whose perspectives and political views clash with those being expressed by their favorite athletes should respect those players\u2019 free speech rights.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The study is part of the broader mission of USC\u2019s Race and Equity Center, which works with professional sports teams and leagues, corporations, government agencies and educational institutions in the United States and abroad. The center\u2019s stated goal is to \u201cilluminate, disrupt and dismantle racism in all its forms.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The authors see the report as both a snapshot of this moment and a call to action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy co-author, Justin Morrow, and I hope our report not only highlights the survey respondents\u2019 perspectives, but also empowers athletes all across America to leverage their platforms to highlight and dismantle structures and systems that sustain injustice,\u201d Harper added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As athletes continue to speak out \u2014 from league arenas to Olympic venues to their own social feeds \u2014 the study suggests that the question is no longer whether they should engage in activism, but how teams, leagues and fans will respond when they do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:17px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/rossier.usc.edu\/news-insights\/news\/2026\/february\/new-national-study-94-professional-athletes-support-right-engage-activism\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">University of Southern California Rossier School of Education<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A new national study from USC\u2019s Race and Equity Center finds 94% of professional athletes believe they should be able to engage in activism, with most planning to use social media to speak out on racial injustice. Researchers say the findings challenge leagues, teams and fans to support athletes\u2019 voices.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"single-no-separators","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[40],"class_list":["post-34538","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-people-culture","tag-university-of-southern-california"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"The University Network","author_link":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/author\/funky_junkie\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"A new national study from USC\u2019s Race and Equity Center finds 94% of professional athletes believe they should be able to engage in activism, with most planning to use social media to speak out on racial injustice. Researchers say the findings challenge leagues, teams and fans to support athletes\u2019 voices.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34538","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34538"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34538\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34549,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34538\/revisions\/34549"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34538"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34538"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/home\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34538"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}