Los Angeles Olympic Committee urges the International Olympic Committee to lift ban on anti-racism advocacy

Sportico

The IOC rules currently states that "no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas" to protect the neutrality of the Olympic movement. But Los Angeles Olympic Committee Chairman Casey Wasserman, who is overseeing the 2028 Summer Games, is urging for an exemption for anti-racism advocacy. “Sport is not separate or clear of racism; it is a microcosm of our world where racism exists," Wasserman wrote to IOC president Thomas Bach. “I urge you to allow and encourage athletes to advocate against racism anywhere they can, including on and off the field of play. With the power of sport we can start to make the world a better place, a more tolerant place. A safer place. A more inclusive place. It is up to all of us to enact change and create a future we want to see.”