Editor’s note: While reporting for his column on 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s recent decision to sit during the national anthem before a preseason game, Seattle Times columnist Matt Calkins contacted Dr. Harry Edwards, a sociologist and longtime advocate for human and civil rights, for comment. Kaepernick was protesting because he believes the U.S. oppresses African Americans and other minorities. Dr. Edwards, who also is a 49ers consultant, submitted the following:
My position on Kaep is that he absolutely has a constitutional right to express his opinion on the politics of diversity in America today.