Date: May 7, 1931
Location: Northampton, MA
(Original document available here)
Columbia University has taken a leading position in relation to intercollegiate athletics. The old system so long in existence has resulted from the conception that such sports were entirely the voluntary and essentially the outside and independent activities of students with which the school had only remote connection. Not the faculty but the students and alumni committee have been in control. This has led to abuses both of commercialism and professionalism. This era of irresponsibility is passing.
By squarely recognizing that such athletics are a part of the official student activities and putting them in charge of the faculty under the trustees a unified control has been secured and the chance for abuses has been much reduced. In supporting these activities out of the college treasury instead of out of gate receipts the entire responsibility for them has been assumed by the university.
Physical culture and competitive team sports are officially recognized as legitimate parts of the educational courses. This will give a new standing and dignity to athletics. The university will no longer appear as an adjunct of the football squad. The training of the body and the mind will be co-ordinated and each stand in its proper relation.
Citation: Calvin Coolidge Says: Dispatches Written by Former-President Coolidge and Syndicated to Newspapers in 1930-1931 (Calvin Coolidge Memorial Foundation)
The Coolidge Foundation gratefully acknowledges the volunteer efforts of J Mitchell Rushing who prepared this document for digital publication.