By Jyesha Nance
A recent bill that aims to prevent collegiate athletes from being classified as employees has made its way to the House floor for further consideration. The debate surrounding the employment status of student-athletes has been a contentious issue in the world of college sports, with arguments on both sides of the issue.
The House Committee of Education and the Workforce voted 23-16 on Thursday, June 13, to move the Protecting Student Athlete’s Economic Freedom Act to the House floor. The bill was first introduced just last month by Rep. Bob Good; its purpose is to emphasize that athletes are not employees of an institution, conference, or association.
The bill, which has garnered both support and opposition, seeks to clarify the distinction between student-athletes and university employees. Proponents of the bill argue that allowing student-athletes to be classified as employees could have far-reaching implications for the landscape of college athletics, potentially leading to challenges related to compensation, benefits, and other employment-related issues. There is also concern that athletes may disregard the term “student” in the expression “student-athlete” and solely prioritize the compensation for their skills, potentially transforming their sport into a burdensome task.
On the other hand, opponents of the bill argue that student-athletes should have the right to be treated as employees if they are generating revenue for their universities through their athletic endeavors. They believe student-athletes deserve fair compensation for their contributions to the success of college sports programs.
The bill’s movement to the House floor signifies a significant step in the legislative process, as lawmakers will now have the opportunity to further debate and potentially amend the proposed legislation. The outcome of the bill will likely have a profound impact on the future of collegiate athletics and the rights of student-athletes across the country.
The five major conferences are in favor of the legislation, as there are many concerns about college sports' future. They are confident that the bill will play a crucial role in moving towards a national resolution for the various issues that are currently impacting collegiate athletics. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining student-athletes' identity as a student, rather than an employee, is essential for safeguarding both athletic and educational prospects. Should they be classified as employees of their schools, it is feared that this could have detrimental effects on numerous sports programs, particularly for women’s and Olympic sports.
As the discussions around the bill continue, stakeholders from various sectors of the sport industry, including college athletics, universities, and athletics associations, will closely monitor the developments and outcomes of the legislative process. The final decision on the bill will undoubtedly shape the future of collegiate athletes and the treatment of student – athletes within the system.
Sources: