(Reuters) – The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) stated on Thursday it won’t sanction athletes for peacefully and respectfully demonstrating in help of racial and social justice.

The USOPC’s resolution got here in response to suggestions from an athlete-led council searching for change to Rule 50 of the Olympic Constitution which prohibits any type of demonstration or political, non secular or racial propaganda.

“The USOPC values the voices of Crew USA athletes and believes that their proper to advocate for racial and social justice, and be a constructive drive for change, completely aligns with the basic values of equality that outline Crew USA and the Olympic and Paralympic actions,” USOPC chief government Sarah Hirshland stated in an announcement.

(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Modifying by Ken Ferris)