The Ivy League announced it will give student-athletes a day off on Nov. 3, Election Day, as part of a plan for “deliberate action to condemn all forms of systemic racism and social inequality. ”
It also announced that the Ivy League office will be closed Friday, June 19, 2020, in recognition of Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the abolishment of slavery.
The league hopes canceling athletic activities on Election Day will promote bipartisan voter participation and that its closed offices on Juneteenth will signal support for the Black Lives Matter movement by encouraging its members to reflect on African American history.
“It is long overdue to speak up in support of the Black community, accept responsibility and take 
“Moving forward,” he added, “it is our pledge to examine and identify structural changes needed to promote a diverse and inclusive culture in all aspects of our operations.”
The Ivy League’s decision comes amid increased calls that both Juneteenth and Election Day become designated federal holidays. Earlier this month, for instance, Georgia Institute of Technology assistant basketball coach Eric Reveno began advocating that the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) makes Election Day a mandatory day off.
The NCAA has not made it a formal rule, but did acknowledge Reveno’s call to action by encouraging member schools to schedule Election Day “as a day off from athletics activity so athletes can vote and participate in their ultimate responsibility as citizens.”
