To the editor,
This letter is in response to your recent announcement regarding the new ways the DTH will refer to student-athletes.
We, the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, believe this declaration of a binary identity is disrespectful and severely understates our responsibilities. It is our understanding that you did not consult with the student-athlete body before announcing you would no longer refer to us as just that — student-athletes.
The University of North Carolina is a prestigious institution. As student-athletes, we are held to a high standard of academic integrity. The academic policies set in place by our teams, UNC administration, the ACC and the NCAA prohibit unjust practices such as "paper classes."
Subsequently, student-athletes are not allowed the same academic freedoms as our non-student-athlete peers. We are all aware that violating any of the policies, which ensure we receive the best education possible, could jeopardize our opportunity to play.
Most people don't realize that the student-athlete population at UNC comprises some of the brightest minds at Carolina. From Morehead-Cain scholars, honors students and research assistants, to young professionals and small-business owners.
To preface "athlete" with a hyphenated "student" is a badge of honor we gladly accept. We take pride in our ability to excel in the classroom and on the field. Minimizing our identity to just "athletes" or only "students" is diminishing because we are so much more than just one or the other.
Acknowledging that our lives revolve around class schedules, exams, studying and homework is essential. We are hardwired to compete; this means we will compete in the classroom and on the field.
The term student-athlete has evolved over the years. 1955 was a long time ago; so much has changed since then. The term does not have the same connotation now as it did then.
