UNR says Colin Kaepernick display at Reno airport to stay despite complaints

In this Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, photo, Mercedes Schmitte, from San Diego, takes a cell phone photo of the Colin Kaepernick memorabilia in the University of Nevada display at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport in Reno, Nev. Kaepernick's decision to sit during the national anthem is prompting protests over a display at the Reno airport. (Jason Bean/The Reno Gazette-Journal via AP)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick passes during warmups before a preseason NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Saturday, Aug. 20, 2016, in Denver. (Jack Dempsey/AP)

In this Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, photo, A sign indicating changes to the the University of Nevada display in front of Colin Kaepernick memorabilia is seen at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport in Reno, Nev. Kaepernick's decision to sit during the national anthem is prompting protests over a display at the Reno airport. (Jason Bean/The Reno Gazette-Journal via AP)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick answers questions at a news conference after an NFL preseason football game against the Green Bay Packers Friday, Aug. 26, 2016, in Santa Clara, Calif. Green Bay won the game 21-10. (Ben Margot/AP)

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick throws the ball during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Green Bay Packers on Friday, Aug. 26, 2016, in Santa Clara, Calif. (Tony Avelar/AP)

In this Nov. 8, 2015, file photo, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick stands on the field during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File)

RENO, Nev. — Colin Kaepernick’s alma mater is standing behind his decision to sit during the national anthem in protest of oppression of minorities, at least for now.

Marc Johnson, president of the University of Nevada, Reno said Thursday memorabilia from the star quarterback’s record-setting career with the Wolf Pack will continue to be displayed at Reno-Tahoe International Airport despite complaints from travelers and local residents.

Johnson says the display already was scheduled to undergo a remodel in a few months. Until then, he says it will “remain intact as it is currently.”

Johnson says Kaepernick has a constitutional right to express his views and the school “will not abandon the many contributions” he made at Nevada before the 49ers drafted him in 2011. He says the university encourages open and meaningful dialogue, free speech and differences of opinion.