TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) –A new policy approved by the Leon County School Board now allows students to make money off their name, image, and likeness.
Now, school leaders are making sure parents and students understand the rules that come with it.
Leon County school leaders say the new policy supports students while also making sure staff and coaches understand the limits.
They say students cannot make money off content involving things like sexual material or drugs.
The district also says staff members cannot help or take part in NIL deals, and there is a clear line between what the district can and cannot do.
“There’s a lot of responsibility that comes along with branding and that name, image, and likeness and then having those monetary dollars to be associated with it,” said Dr. Benny Bolden, Director of Interdivisional Support Services and Secondary Schools for Leon County Schools. “And so we want to continue with our coaches and our students to preach character and integrity to ensure that they remain first and foremost a student and then an athlete.”
The district says students also cannot use district or school logos or uniforms as part of NIL deals.
Leaders say parents need to understand the process, too, because while NIL can be exciting, students could risk their eligibility if rules are not followed.
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