WASHINGTON, D.C. | May 8, 2014 -
The House Education and the Workforce Committee, chaired by Rep. John Kline (R-MN), today held a hearing entitled, “Big Labor on College Campuses: Examining the Consequences of Unionizing Student Athletes.” During the hearing, members listened as a higher education administrator, athletic director, and former student athlete discussed the negative effects of a recent National Labor Relations Board decision allowing the unionization of student athletes.
“Today’s witnesses confirmed classifying student athletes as school ‘employees’ will hurt their athletic and academic careers,” said Chairman Kline. “There is no question the legitimate concerns of student athletes must be addressed, but doing so at the collective bargaining table will do more harm than good. It’s encouraging to hear from institutions with policies in place that put student athletes first, such as providing continued academic support to students who sustain a sports injury. We need all institutions to step up and follow suit. Instead of treating student athletes as something they are not, let’s help ensure the real challenges they face are resolved.”
To learn more about today’s hearing, read witness testimony, or to watch an archived webcast, visit www.edworkforce.house.gov/hearings.
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