Howard women’s basketball told to stand for anthem or stay in locker room

Howard University changed its pre-game protocol for the women’s basketball team before their conference tournament.

Under the new policy, athletes can either stand for the national anthem or remain in the locker room. The change has drawn mixed reactions from fans and students, who say the team has routinely knelt before games over the past several seasons.

Some critics argue the stand-or-stay-in-the-locker-room policy conflicts with the university’s long legacy of student activism.

In a statement, Howard Athletics said, “The new policy is about supporting students’ freedom of expression while upholding mutual respect for all communities.”

Howard’s women’s team tips off against South Carolina State tomorrow in the MEAC — in the ME-ack conference tournament.