CSTPR has closed May 31, 2020: Therefore, this webpage will no longer be updated. Individual projects are or may still be ongoing however. Please contact CIRES should you have any questions.

The Governance of Sport ETHN 3104

Resolved: College Athletes Should Be Allowed to UnionizeDEBATE ON COLLEGE ATHLETICS
Resolved: College Athletes Should Be Allowed to Unionize

Tuesday, April 29 at 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Auditorium, Dal Ward Athletic Center
View Flyer | More Info

In March, 2014 the National Labor Relations Board ruled that football players at Northwestern University would be allowed to unionize in order to secure labor rights as university athletes. Northwestern University immediately appealed the decision. Kain Colter, the Northwestern Quaterback, explained: "Right now the NCAA is like a dictatorship. No one represents us in negotiations. The only way things are going to change is if players have a union." The NCAA opposed the move: "This union-backed attempt to turn student-athletes into employees undermines the purpose of college: an education. Student-athletes are not employees, and their participation in college sports is voluntary." Who is right?

As part of their final project, students in ETHN 3104, The Governance of Sport, are organizing an Oxford-style debate on the subject of unionization among college athletes. Half the class will be taking the affirmative position and the other half the negative. Audience participation will be part of the debate, which is open to the University community.

NCAA Unionization Debate Readings

Fram, N. and T. W. Frampton, 2012. A Union of Amateurs: A Legal Blueprint to Reshape Big-Time College Athletics. Buffalo Law Review, Vol. 60, February 7.

McCormick, R. A. and A. C. McCormick, 2006. The Myth of the Student-Athlete: The College Athlete as Employee. Washington Law Review, Vol. 81: 71.

Miller, M.G., 2012. The NCAA and the Student-Athlete: Reform is on the Horizon. University of Richmond Law Review, Vol. 46: 1141.

Parasuramanm R. A., 2007. Unionizing NCAA Division I Athletics: A Viable Solution? Duke Law Journal, Vol. 57: 727.

US Government, 2014. Brief to the Regional Director on Behalf of Northwestern University. United States Government Before The National Labor Relations Board Region 13. Case 13-RC-121359, Decision and Direction of Election. Northwestern University and College Athletes Players Assoication (CAPA).

US Government, 2014. Decision and Direction of Election. United States Government Before The National Labor Relations Board Region 13. Case 13-RC-121359, Decision and Direction of Election. Northwestern University and College Athletes Players Assoication (CAPA).

US Government, 2014. Post-Hearing Brief of Petitioner College Atheletes Players Association. United States Government Before The National Labor Relations Board Region 13. Case 13-RC-121359. Northwestern University and College Athletes Players Assoication (CAPA).

Videos