Las Vegas Sun

April 25, 2024

UNR defends alum Kaepernick’s decision to sit out anthem, for now

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Jason Bean / Reno Gazette-Journal via AP

A sign indicating changes to the the UNR display in front of Colin Kaepernick memorabilia is seen Aug. 30 at Reno-Tahoe International Airport in Reno.

Colin Kaepernick's alma mater is standing behind his decision to sit during the national anthem in protest of oppression of minorities, at least for now.

Marc Johnson, president of the University of Nevada, Reno said Thursday memorabilia from the star quarterback's record-setting career with the Wolf Pack will continue to be displayed at Reno-Tahoe International Airport despite complaints from travelers and local residents.

Johnson says the display already was scheduled to undergo a remodel in a few months. Until then, he says it will "remain intact as it is currently."

Johnson says Kaepernick has a constitutional right to express his views and the school "will not abandon the many contributions" he made at Nevada before the 49ers drafted him in 2011. He says the university encourages open and meaningful dialogue, free speech and differences of opinion.

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