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USOPC says kneeling, other protests permitted at Olympic trials

The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee will allow athletes to demonstrate in support of racial and social justice at upcoming Olympic trials.

The USOPC outlined new protest rules in a detailed nine-page document distributed to athletes and the Olympic community on Tuesday.

Any demonstration "that is aimed at (1) advancing racial and social justice; or (2) promoting the human dignity of individuals or groups that have historically been underrepresented, minoritized, or marginalized in their respective societal context;" will be permitted, the document states.

Among the given examples of permissible demonstrations are:

  • "Wearing a hat or face mask with phrases such as 'Black Lives Matter' or 'Trans Lives Matter' or words such 'equality' or 'justice.