"It’s one thing to participate in the hard work of governance to effect change. We are fortunate we have a political system that allows us to have a voice, to effect change inside the system. It’s another thing altogether, however, to express rejection of the system itself by rejecting national symbols. Degrading core national symbols undermines the system itself."
The Problem with Athletes Using the National Anthem to Protest
Public Discourse, June 6, 2019
Sports and Religious Freedom: Challenges and Opportunities Today
USCCB blog, May 29, 2019
"An important contribution of sports to culture is providing a shared civic space in which we can come together with all our differences and disagreements and still agree to play a game together. This is wonderful. But today, efforts to roll back religious freedom threaten to bring exclusion and division even into the field of sports."
VIDEO:
Lecture at Family Research Council in Washington, DC
the international petition to FIFA.
Say "No!" to political symbols on player gear and on field equipment.
Yes to soccer!
No to Politics.
End Garment Coercion, Support Freedom of Religion or Belief in Women's Sports
"Women's bodies should not be used in sports or games as billboards for the political or religious agendas of others."
End Iranian and American Garment Coercion in
Sports and Games
Public Discourse, Feb 4, 2019
"Women visiting Iran for international sports and game tournaments should not have to wear an Islamic headcover to be eligible to compete. US athletes should not have to wear a political symbol to play soccer. Everyone should have the freedom to compete without garment coercion."
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Honour Able: A 3-minute film about an American company making sports hijabs and modest sports attire for women.
Directed by Bess Blackburn, Produced by Jennifer S. Bryson
"In a world filled with inter-religious tensions, precisely non-religious activities such as sports can provide a public space in which those who are different can find ways to participate together."
The Hijab Hurdle in Sports
by Jennifer S. Bryson and Sajda Ouachtouki,
Contending Modernities, June 17, 2011
Competitors in sports and games should not be excluded
because of their political views or religious beliefs.
Learn about
Read "Let All Play: Yes to Soccer, No to Politics" about how political symbols on the kit violate FIFA regulations and ways FIFA needs to enforce its own rules.
Interview with Jennifer Bryson:
Inclusion, Sports, and Civil Society
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops "First Freedom Podcast"
