Should Stanford Athletes Receive Priority Class Registration?

This isn’t merely a question for Stanford; it’s a question for any college with a serious intercollegiate athletic program. The debate centers around whether student athletes should receive any special advantages, such as priority class registration, to help them successfully juggle academic and athletic commitments.

Approaches to the Debate

Several schools of thought exist:

Students First: Student athletes are students first and athletes second. They should have no particular advantage in registering for classes. This argument is supported by NCAA regulations, where student athletes have access to tutors and proctors to oversee exams while traveling to games/meets Campus Pride and Alumni Relations: These student athletes are a potent source of campus pride, positive alumni relations, and robust recruiting for all students, not just athletes. They are seen as a ‘decoration’ that, while not strictly necessary, is economically beneficial Money Makers: Athletic programs are money makers, despite the fact that most do not generate profit. This viewpoint emphasizes that athletics are a crucial part of a balanced education Academic Endeavors: There is an argument that athletics can be considered a valid and important academic pursuit, requiring the same level of dedication and diligence as other academic disciplines such as philosophy, mathematics, or engineering

Commentary on Each Idea

While the first argument is strong in principle, the position that athletics can be an essential academic endeavor stands on firm philosophical and historical ground. It is an error to claim that athletics is not a form of intellectual pursuit.

The second argument regarding campus pride and alumni relations acknowledges the economic value of student athletes, but it is objective and somewhat pejorative towards student athletes.

The third argument about financial benefits is shallow and incorrect, as most college athletic programs lose money. This view overlooks the vital role athletics can play in a comprehensive educational experience.

The fourth argument is the most compelling. For the last ten years of my academic career, I shifted towards the view that athletics is a valid and important academic endeavor. Historically, people like the ancient Greeks believed athletics were essential to a robust education.

The Modern Athletics Controversy

A major challenge with the fourth argument is the blurring of the line between student athletes and professional athletes. With the growth of athlete endorsements and financial compensation, some highly skilled student athletes can earn significant sums, while others cannot. This disparity raises questions about fairness and the true nature of student sports.

Salary Disparity in College Athletics

A recent study showed that the salaries of college coaches often surpass those of the governor of their state or even the presidents of their universities. For example, in Washington State, the top 30 highest-paid public employees frequently include coaches, while professors of various disciplines often earn less. This raises ethical questions about the appropriateness of such large salaries for coaches given their specific roles and responsibilities.

Is It Acceptable?

From a capitalist and libertarian perspective, these high salaries are perfectly fine. However, whether it is ‘right and good’ remains a matter of opinion. The debate highlights the complex ethical and economic issues surrounding college athletics and the potential inequalities within the system.