The backlash against social justice continues in the Olympics. After banning athlete protests and political messages from the Games, the IOC decided to ban “Black Lives Matter” apparel as well.
So now if an athlete raises their fist, takes a knee or wears anything “BLM” related at Olympic venues, they face punishment. The same goes for coaches, trainers and officials.
While the IOC has had a long maintained policy of banning “demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda” on the playing field, the medal stand, or during the Games’ official ceremonies, the explicit mention of “Black Lives Matter” is particularly alarming.
The IOC will allow words such as “peace,” “respect,” “solidarity,” “inclusion” and “equality” on apparel, possibly as a means of taking some of the attention off of their decision to ban BLM messaging. But it really doesn’t feel that way.
So where did this all originate from?
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