Recreation and play have long been vital for the wellbeing of students in institutions of higher learning. Campus recreation programs range from intramural sports to informal fitness and social activities, providing more than opportunities for physical health; they also create spaces where students form friendships, build community, and experience belonging (Elkins et al., 2022). Yet, these spaces have historically reflected broader racial inequities within American education. The desegregation of higher education following Brown v. Board of Education (1954) did not automatically extend to all facets of campus life. Athletic programs, student unions, and recreational facilities were often among the last areas to integrate fully, revealing how racial barriers persisted even after legal segregation ended (Wells, Fox, & Cordova-Cobo, 2016). 

Understanding the intersection of recreation, race, and desegregation allows us to see campus life as an illustration of broader American struggles with inclusion. Learning objectives from this activity consist of tracing the historical roots of recreational segregation, examine student experiences, and highlight emerging practices that promote equity in campus recreation.