U.S. Women’s National Team Moves On from Kneeling: Focus Shifts to Behind-the-Scenes Action Against Racial Inequity
The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) has decided to discontinue kneeling during the national anthem before matches and will instead focus on behind-the-scenes work to combat systemic racism and promote racial equality. This shift marks a significant change in how the team will approach activism, moving beyond visible protests to more sustained, strategic actions aimed at creating lasting change.
The Shift from Kneeling to Action
The decision to stop kneeling during the anthem was made collectively by the players, including key figures like Carli Lloyd, Lindsey Horan, Julie Ertz, and defender Crystal Dunn. Dunn, who has been vocal about the team’s commitment to racial justice, explained the reasoning behind the shift: “I think those that were collectively kneeling felt like we were kneeling to bring about attention to police brutality and systemic racism, and I think we decided that moving forward we no longer feel the need to kneel because we are doing the work behind the scenes,” Dunn said.
The USWNT’s activism began when midfielder Megan Rapinoe took a knee during the national anthem in 2016 in solidarity with former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s protest against police brutality and racial injustice. Rapinoe’s actions drew both praise and criticism, and the US Soccer Federation initially implemented a rule that required players to stand during the anthem. However, after the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent global protests, the sentiment surrounding anthem protests changed, and the rule was repealed.
The Role of Athlete Activism: Moving Beyond the Anthem
While the USWNT initially used the national anthem as a stage for protest, the team’s evolution reflects a deeper understanding of the complexities of activism. The players recognize that visible actions like kneeling are powerful, but they also understand that meaningful change requires consistent, long-term work that goes beyond symbolic gestures.
Defender Midge Purce, one of the key figures behind the creation of the Black Women’s Player Collective, emphasized the importance of using their platform to elevate the voices and experiences of Black women in soccer. The Collective has launched several initiatives, including a fundraising effort to provide free soccer clinics and help young players attend National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) games. The group exceeded its $20,000 fundraising goal within a day, highlighting the collective’s significant impact.
Purce’s initiative is not only about bringing attention to issues but about tangible change in local communities. “We want to do everything we can to support the Black players and put their voices at the forefront,” said defender Tierna Davidson, acknowledging the need to balance the efforts of both Black and white players in this fight. “But also not require them to do all the work and always be front-facing,” she added.
Angel City FC and the Anti-Racism Project
Another important development in the fight against systemic racism in soccer comes from Angel City FC, a team that will debut in the NWSL in 2022. On Wednesday, the club joined forces with Common Goal to launch the Anti-Racists Project, which aims to address racial inequality through education at all levels of the game. The project is supported by organizations such as Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire, NWSL, U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper Zack Steffen, and various other clubs and supporters’ groups.
Angel City’s commitment to tackling systemic racism both in the sport and in society at large is part of a larger movement within the NWSL and soccer as a whole, where activism and education are becoming key priorities.
What’s Next for the U.S. Women’s National Team?
The USWNT’s move away from kneeling is a pivotal moment in their ongoing commitment to social justice. As the team transitions from public protest to real-world efforts, their focus will now be on pushing for systemic change. While the team’s public visibility is still significant, players are also working with organizations and engaging in grassroots efforts to address issues of inequality within the sport and beyond.
The question now is whether other sports teams, leagues, and athletes will follow suit. The USWNT’s leadership on social issues has set a powerful example. The team’s ability to evolve its methods of activism could be a model for other organizations seeking to have a real impact in their communities. The challenge will be ensuring that behind-the-scenes work—like advocating for better policies, supporting Black communities, and providing opportunities for marginalized athletes—continues to thrive as an integral part of the league’s mission.
A Reflection of the Times: Moving Beyond Symbols
The USWNT’s decision to stop kneeling is not an abandonment of activism but rather an evolution in how athletes use their platform for change. The team’s shift from public protest to action off the field represents a growing understanding of what it means to be an activist in today’s world—using one’s voice, resources, and platform to challenge the status quo.
The WNBA, the NWSL, and other leagues are similarly witnessing shifts in the way athletes approach social issues. The conversation is moving from high-profile demonstrations during games to more sustained efforts to address systemic inequalities that persist in society. The shift away from visible gestures like kneeling, though controversial to some, is a natural progression in the activism of athletes.
Conclusion: Empowering Change, On and Off the Field
As the U.S. Women’s National Team embarks on this next phase of activism, they send a powerful message: action is more important than symbolism. With ongoing efforts to push for racial equality, promote education, and empower marginalized communities, the players are showing that the work they do off the field is just as important as what they accomplish on it.
In moving away from kneeling, the team isn’t abandoning the fight for racial justice; they’re simply shifting gears. They’re focusing on the long-term, behind-the-scenes work necessary to create lasting change in the sport and society. As the world watches, the USWNT continues to lead the way—not just in soccer, but in shaping what activism in sports can truly achieve.
News
My MIL Poured Tea on Me and Served Divorce Papers at Sunday Dinner. “Jake Needs Someone Better”
Part One The iced tea slid over the lip of the cut-crystal pitcher in a thick amber sheet and fell…
“LEAKS OR SMEAR? ‘JAZZY’ CROCKETT FACES ANONYMOUS ACCUSATIONS—BUT WHERE ARE THE RECEIPTS?” Producers say unnamed assistants painted a harsh picture: off‑camera lounging, on‑demand rides, and a red‑carpet attitude. It’s spicy, sure—but none of it is on the record, and no messages, emails, or logs have surfaced to back it up. Is this a genuine HR nightmare or just political theater engineered for clicks? We pulled the claims, chased the paper trail, and noted who declined to comment. Judge the story—not just the sound bites.
A Storm on Capitol Hill In the high-stakes arena of U.S. politics, where every move is scrutinized and every word…
SILENCE AT THE ED SULLIVAN THEATER—AND A THOUSAND THEORIES BY DAWN. For the first time in ages, The Late Show goes dark with no on‑air drumroll, and the questions write themselves. Is CBS quietly fast‑tracking an exit, testing a replacement, or staging a headline‑grabbing reset that only works if nobody sees it coming? The audience can smell when something’s off, and this week feels like a chess move, not a calendar break. If Colbert is staying, why the hush? If he’s not, why the cliffhanger? One empty week has become the loudest story in late‑night, and what happens next could redraw the map for every show that follows. Buckle up—the quiet week might be the plot twist.
Stephen Colbert Heads Into Summer Break Stephen Colbert has officially begun his annual summer hiatus from The Late Show with…
“BOOS. WHISPERS. THEN: ‘SHUT UP.’ KELLY RIPA’S ON‑AIR SNAP—AND MARK CONSUELOS’ QUICK SAVE.” What started as a simple back‑and‑forth turned suddenly combative when a viewer pushed back and Kelly snapped. The crowd answered with a chorus of whispers and boos, and the tension practically hummed—until Mark stepped in, defused the moment, and gave everyone a way out. Is this the cost of speaking your mind in real time, or a host losing patience on a hot morning? The debate’s raging; the video tells its own story.
A Morning Show Takes an Unexpected Turn On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, millions of viewers tuned into ABC’s Live with…
“NO WORDS, JUST A WALK — INSIDE THE 30 SECONDS THAT REWROTE KELLY CLARKSON’S LIVE SEGMENT AND LEFT NBC REELING” A smile, a playful bit, and then the air changed. Kelly Clarkson’s expression went still; Jenna Bush Hager kept talking, unaware the moment had shifted until Kelly stood, slipped past Camera 2, and exited without a word. In the control room: headset chatter, a hard cut, and a scramble to fill the gap. Online, the forensic rewinds began instantly: Which question crossed the line? What was said off‑camera just before the turn? And what does a silent exit communicate that a speech never could? This wasn’t drama for drama’s sake—it felt like a boundary drawn in permanent ink. Watch the viral clip, the angles you didn’t see, and the context that explains the quiet storm 👇
Silence Louder Than Words: Kelly Clarkson’s Calm Walk-Off Stuns Live TV and Puts NBC on Notice It happened without shouting….
MONDAY NIGHT WON’T BE A FAREWELL—IT’LL BE A MUTINY. They weren’t meant to share a stage, let alone a cause. But after CBS axed Colbert—days after he mocked a mega‑deal—late‑night’s rivals are turning into co‑conspirators. No sanitized monologues, no polite handoffs—just a cross‑network show of force that could redraw the rules of TV after dark. So who’s pulling the strings, what’s the plan, and how far are they willing to go? Everything we know is in the comments 👇
Colbert’s Exit Sparks Late-Night Revolt: Fallon, Kimmel, Meyers, and Oliver Plan Historic Stand Stephen Colbert’s abrupt removal from The Late…
End of content
No more pages to load
