Northwestern University, The University of Missouri, and the “Student-Athlete”: Mobilization Efforts and the Future

Abstract

Student-athletes have a powerful voice in issues that matter to them. This was most recently demonstrated in two ways, including the 2014 Northwestern University football team’s unsuccessful attempt to organize as a union, and the 2015 University of Missouri’s successful demonstration, both in-person and via social media, ultimately resulting in the resignation of the president of the University. The paper explores the history of student-athlete mobilizations and demonstrates that it should come as no surprise to see increasingly public attempts in the future as student-athletes become more aware of their rights and the campaigns and concerns of others. Student-athletes may continue to influence public opinion and NCAA member institutions as the NCAA rules evolve in the era of social media and instant access to causes and campaigns.