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Northwestern University Files Brief With National Labor Relations Board to Oppose Student Athlete Unionization


Today, Northwestern University filed its brief with the National Labor Relations Board in regard to the attempt by Northwestern football players to unionize (Northwestern Football Players Given Green Light to Unionize - Blog).  In the brief, Northwestern asked the NLRB to overturn the decision by the NLRB Chicago Regional Director that would allow Northwestern football players to vote on whether to form a union. 

Interestingly enough, the brief includes mention of the potential Title IX ramifications and what would happen if the football players would eventually be paid for playing football.  As readers may well be aware, Title IX requires colleges and universities to afford equal opportunities to female students who participate in varsity collegiate sports.  If male athletes who play football would receive pay, implications could arise over paying female athletes so that colleges and universities comply with Title IX.


A copy of Northwestern's brief can be found here:  http://dradis.ur.northwestern.edu/multimedia/pdf/nlrb.pdf


As well, Northwestern's current quarterback, Trevor Siemian, said today that it was wrong for former Northwestern quarterback, Kain Colter, and other players to explore unionization without first taking their concerns to the coach and administration.  For those keeping score at home, Colter is one of the leading advocates that is seeking to unionize the players.  

Additional information on Trevor Siemian's comments can be found here:  http://espn.go.com/chicago/college-football/story/_/id/10756332/northwestern-wildcats-qb-trevor-siemian-criticizes-former-qb-kain-colter-union-push

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