As to the expectations for society part of your comment. In my opinion, society is not fair. Idealistically, it would be optimal to live in a society with no racism. Realistically, I do not think that is possible.
This world is a brutal place. We don't pick our parents, our race, our genes. Some people are born rich, others poor. Some people are born black, others white. Some people are strikingly beautiful while others have handicaps or genetic disorders. We are thrown naked to this chaotic world where nearly everyone already in the world has their own self interest in mind. Should we strive for the ideal? Yes. But we should prepare for the harshness of reality. We need to do the best we can to succeed in spite of the obstacles society places in front of us. The snakes are going to get into the garden. Instead of trying rid the world of snakes, I think schools should give there graduates the proper tools needed to cut the snakes up and kill them.
So to answer the last question you posed "Do you expect "society" to treat the student athletes in a manner that provides them the opportunity to be successful?" Although I hope it changes, I suspect rich, white, genetically gifted kids who come from families with status will always have an upper hand and more opportunities to be successful. If you lack in those areas you will have to work extra hard to get what you want. But it can be done and has been done by numerous people regardless of there race, class or genetic gifts.
So strive for the ideal (no racism). But prepare yourself to succeed in spite of it. That is what I would tell a student-athlete today.
