The following is a note I sent to LREI’s employees yesterday evening.
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Sunday night, September 24, 2017
Dear Colleagues,
A thought late on a Sunday evening.
I am sure that at some point over the past year, and likely this weekend, you have been following the story of Colin Kaepernick, the NFL, the National Anthem, “taking a knee.” His protest has been going on for quite some time, is complex, inspiring to some, upsetting to others, maybe both to you.
I remember my boys’ first baseball games and explaining why the Anthem was played, why they had to stand, take off their caps, etc. We talked about how it was fine to disagree with those representing us in the government, but that they had to stand to show respect for the country, for the democracy in which they were privileged to live. I was following the convention I had been taught long ago. When Kaepernick began his peaceful, forceful protest our conversation shifted to one of freedom of speech, of privilege, of injustice, of “standing up” for what you believe in, what you are willing to sacrifice, and how sometimes customs get in the way of progress.
His protest challenged my assumption that all felt equally compelled by this particular moment of patriotic solidarity, celebrating the democracy that protected us all. I am grateful to have had this assumption questioned and am somewhat amazed by the day’s events—whole teams not standing, owners standing behind the protest and the Constitution, making decisions of conscience and possibly of economics, in opposition to the President. Interesting times.
I am not sure what will come of this, but it seems to me to be an essential moment to discuss with our students, one that they should think about, talk about, and one that they will long remember. I urge you to have these conversations.
Click here to read a piece written by Golden State Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr.
Click here to read a letter to President Trump written by Leland Melvin, former astronaut and player in the NFL.