Several Wisconsin Athletes Decry Racism On Campus, Demand Change

A large group of Wisconsin athletes, most notably Big Ten preseason player of the year Nigel Hayes, tweeted out an essay regarding the racism that they say athletes of color at Wisconsin face every day. The post comes a week after a fan showed up to the Wisconsin football game on Saturday with an Obama mask on and a noose around his neck, but it addresses much larger issues. The athletes called on Chancellor Rebecca Blank to meet with students and work towards meaningful action.

Hayes has never shied away from speaking truth, and last month called out the NCAA for perpetuating the “student athlete” scam. As the essay notes, the group of athletes does not view “statements, cultural competency emails, and a few surveys” as worthwhile steps. They want to initiate a dialogue with the administration, and as some of the most visible people on campus, they are in an ideal position to do so.