Kneeling during the national anthem

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been getting attention for refusing to stand during the national anthem. On Thursday night, he was joined by teammate Eric Reid. Responses to Kaepernick’s vow to sit during the national anthem until he is satisfied with changes made toward ending racial oppression in the U.S. have been mixed. Theresa Martinez, associate professor of sociology, who specializes in issues of race, class and gender, is available to discuss the issue. “I believe Colin Kaepernick is only a sign of growing discontent in the country, particularly among people of color, over treatment by police and the criminal justice system, among other longstanding issues,” she says.
Theresa Martinez | 801-581-5712 | theresa.martinez@utah.edu