Pitt Athletics is joining forces with the university in a push geared toward voter registration, education and participation for its student-athletes and coaches.
The Voting Matters campaign plans to provide voter registration and education sessions for Pitt's 19 athletic programs. The sessions are expected to be completed by mid-September, giving participants plenty of time to beat voter registration deadlines before the Nov. 3 general election.
"We all have the ability to make an impact in this country by exercising our right to vote," men’s basketball head coach Jeff Capel said in a statement. "Voter registration and educating yourself on the voting process is an integral part of making sure your voice is heard. I look forward to experiencing this with my team and watching young leaders continue to emerge at Pitt."
The campaign is being developed by Pitt administrators, head coaches and student-athletes. The athletic department is working to adjust schedules on Nov. 3 to provide student-athletes, staff and coaches more opportunities to vote.
"The opportunity to participate in free and fair elections is a key principal of our American democracy and should not be taken lightly,” said Jordan Fields, a four-year member of the Pitt track and field program. “Historically, several minority groups in America have been denied this right, African-Americans in particular, who faced poll taxes, literacy tests, physical threats and violence to intimidate them, and discourage their participation in our nation’s electoral process. Now more than ever, it is imperative that young people exercise their right to vote, as it is the easiest way to affect change nationally and locally."
Fields, along with former football player Ian Troost, recently submitted a letter to the school's athletic department and administration, asking for greater action in the Black Lives Matter movement.
To continue reading, log into your account:
