Powell

Jaedyn Powell
Ms.Metcalfe
First
10/25/23
Argumentitive Essay

Should Athletes Have More Privledge

Athletes often bring substantial recognition and revenue to their respective

universities. Successful sports programs can lead to increased applications,
higher alumni donations, and lucrative television contracts. These financial
benefits can indirectly support the entire academic institution, including funding
scholarships, faculty salaries, and research initiatives. Proponents argue that this
significant contribution justifies some privileges for athletes.

On the other hand, some argue that all scholars should be treated equally.
Higher education institutions are meant to prioritize academic and intellectual
growth. Giving athletes more privileges may create a two-tier system, where
athletes receive preferential treatment over non-athletic students. This unequal
treatment could be seen as unfair and contrary to the principles of equity in
education.

Student-athletes often face a challenging balance between their academic and

athletic commitments. The demands of rigorous training, travel, and competition
can make it difficult for them to excel academically. In this context, some
privileges like flexible class schedules or academic support services can be
justified to help student-athletes manage their responsibilities effectively.

Overly prioritizing athletes could compromise the integrity of higher education.

When athletes are given special privileges such as easy course loads or lenient
grading, it may erode the academic standards of the institution. This not only
diminishes the value of a degree but also sends the wrong message to other
students who strive to excel academically.
Balanced Approach: To address this issue, many institutions aim to strike a balance.
They provide certain privileges to athletes to support their demanding schedules
while ensuring that academic standards are upheld. This might include academic
support programs, flexible scheduling, or ensuring that athletes meet the same
academic requirements as other students. The key is to maintain fairness and
equity within the institution's broader educational mission.
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In conclusion, the question of whether athletes should receive more privileges than
other scholars is not a simple one to answer. It requires considering the financial
contributions athletes can bring to a university, the need for equal treatment among all
scholars, the unique challenges faced by student-athletes, and the importance of
maintaining academic integrity. Ultimately, the goal should be to strike a balance that
benefits both athletes and the academic community while upholding the institution's
educational mission and principles of fairness.