The man on whose philosophy our university was founded taught a profound view: Love God. Love your neighbor as yourself. As humans, we won't be perfect but as Catholics and Christians, we orient ourselves toward the goal of appreciating all of God's children. Our imperfection inevitably leads to racism and bigotry but our commitment to Jesus calls on all of us to improve.
The big concern that many who feel excluded have is that after 50 years of social change, we've included diverse social, racial and ethnic groups in the mainstream of American life but we have not accepted them. You can legislate, regulate and litigate inclusion. You cannot force acceptance. That comes from within, whether it be from a theological or sociological prospective.
I admit, politically I'm right of center. I think of myself as socially liberal and economically conservative. I'm one of those people that believe bigotry and racism is economic. If we can produce the heck out of what we have, using our collective talents, our social and economic problems in this country will be mitigated. We can do better but to do so means making a true commitment to teaching someone how to fish rather than feeding them a fish. I suspect this is the real answer to what many who've peacefully protested this year really want.
P.S. -- Athletes can say anything they want. They're Americans too and entitled to First Amendment protection!