OVERVIEW OF THE U.S. OLYMPIC & PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE’S EXPRESSION AND DEMONSTRATION PARTICIPATION RULES
The USOPC values the expressions of Team USA athletes and believes that their right to advocate for racial and social justice aligns with the fundamental values of equality that define Team USA and the Olympic and Paralympic movements. This document provides an overview of demonstration information for athletes at Trials events.
RACIAL AND SOCIAL JUSTICE DEMONSTRATIONS
A Racial and Social Justice Demonstration (R&S Demonstration) is specifically aimed at promoting the human dignity of individuals or groups that have historically been underrepresented, minoritized, or marginalized in their respective societal context
- Athletes will NOT be sanctioned by the USOPC for engaging in a Racial & Social Justice Demonstration at Trials:
- Demonstrations include any verbal or non-verbal communication that involves expression of views, such as: speech or body gestures, messages communicated via clothing or signs
- Racial & Social Justice Demonstration does NOT include any “Impermissible Elements” as defined in the rules. The following are “Impermissible Elements” that violate USOPC’s rules:
- Expressions that advocate against other people, their dignity, or their rights.
- Hate speech, racist propaganda, or threatening, abusive, or discriminatory remarks.
- Acts that physically impede events at the Trials, cause physical harm to others and/or to property, or violate applicable laws.
- Demonstrations outside the scope of Racial and Social Justice - This includes any expression that advocates for something outside the scope of a racial or social justice cause
REPORTING
- If you witness an athlete engaging in a demonstration that includes Impermissible Elements or any other rules violation during a Trials event, you must report it. Reporting options include:
- USOPC Integrity Portal (usopc.ethicspoint.com)
- USOPC staff members on site
