Soccer players in the state of Kansas have ended their threat to boycott the program a week after a student tweeted about the death of George Floyd, sparking outrage from several students.
The players shared a letter on social media saying they are happy with the way the school leadership has reacted to the controversial tweet.
“We appreciate the diligent work of our athletics and university administration as we work on these important issues,” the letter said. “The plans and action items released on Wednesday are great first steps in our goal of defeating hate and racism on our campus, and therefore we have decided to return to training with our teammates. However, we know that this process is far from complete, and in the event that it decreases or decreases for some reason, we would reevaluate the situation and our options at that time. “
The players did not miss any of the school-sponsored soccer activities because they stopped after 14 players tested positive for COVID-19 last month.
The boycott threat came after student Jaden McNeil tweeted on June 25, “Congratulations to George Floyd for being drug-free for an entire month!”
In May Floyd, a black man, died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed his knee to his neck for nearly eight minutes.
Athletic director Gene Taylor and soccer coach Chris Klieman criticized McNeil’s tweet and said they would not tolerate racial hatred on campus.
“Our program and our coaches will continue to be part of the solution when it comes to racial injustice,” Klieman wrote in a tweet. “I love our players and they know I have my back.”
University President Richard Myers said last Friday that “divisive statements do not represent the values of our university.”
Myers said McNeil’s comments were “disrespectful and abominable”, but that he could not expel the student, saying “we cannot violate the law.”
On Thursday night, Myers released information about what the school is doing to make the state of Kansas a more inclusive institution. They included action steps related to students and staff that focused on recruitment, retention, mandatory cultural proficiency workshops, and improving the process for receiving complaints of discrimination.
The school also announced the launch of a diversity and education fund. The fund will allow promoters to channel money directly to initiatives within the athletics department that “actively seek an inclusive and diverse community through educational programming and the support of all student athletes, coaches, and staff.”
After the players’ statement, Klieman tweeted his support.
“Proud of the boys. We will continue to grow and work to end racism on our great campus,” wrote the coach.
Voluntary training for the soccer team begins on July 13.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
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