The Drake Group believes that the commercialization of intercollegiate athletic programs has not only challenged the academic integrity of higher education but resulted in a predominantly White community of higher education administrators, athletic department administrators, coaches, and staff turning a blind eye to the racism underlying the economic, education and other forms of exploitation harming college athletes. This in-depth review of current athletic program practices and national and conference governance association rules and policies reveals the manner in which racism is experienced by all stakeholders within this culture, how it is purposely hidden, and how it harms athletes and employees of color. The Drake Group proposes detailed recommendations which, if implemented, would begin to remedy this “continuing disgrace.”
