The only reason things did not change back then is because the courts repeatedly sided with the university presidents. University presidents are adamantly opposed to this today just as they were then. The difference is simply that the courts have stopped shielding them. Has nothing to do with political climate.
I’m reminded of something mentioned in an article in Sports Illustrated about college athletics.
Coaches believe, but are afraid to say, that the scholarship athlete is an employee of the university. With a contract. Paid to produce, to represent the school as an entertainer and emissary, paid in the currency of the "free ride," an all-expenses education—tuition, books, board, laundry, walking around money, etc.
That was written in 1969. People have been pressing on this for decades, but the courts and attitudes of university presidents blocked any meaningful movement.
If you think this is simply the result of today’s political climate, then you’re either too young to have been aware of this or you simply weren’t paying attention at the time.
