An unfair labor complaint has been filed against the University of Notre Dame for classifying college athletes as 'student-athletes.' The complaint, lodged by the College Basketball Players Association, a California-based group, alleges that Notre Dame is in violation of the National Labor Relations Act by engaging in unfair labor practices.
This complaint mirrors a similar one filed against the University of Southern California last May, where the NLRB's Los Angeles office contended that players on USC's football and basketball teams should be classified as employees rather than 'student-athletes.'
In response to the complaint, Notre Dame referred to its Statement for Principles for Intercollegiate Athletics, emphasizing that athletics is an integral part of the university's educational mission. The university stated that its athletic programs are not separate from its broader educational goals but are instead a vital component of the educational and developmental experience offered to students.
A ruling in February by a regional NLRB director set a precedent for the Dartmouth men's basketball team to vote to join a union last month. However, Dartmouth is currently challenging this ruling, indicating a broader debate surrounding the classification of college athletes and their rights within the realm of labor relations.
