Limitation on influence or retaliation for coursework

(a) In general An athletic department of an institution or representative thereof may not— (1) exert influence over the selection by a student athlete of any course or academic major; (2) retaliate against a student athlete based on the selection by the student athlete of any course or academic major; or (3) interfere with or discourage any student athlete who seeks to secure employment or internships, participate in student groups or events, or serve as a volunteer, unless such activities interfere with mandatory class time or mandatory college athletic events. (b) Rule of construction Subsection (a) may not be construed as preventing an athletic department or representative thereof from— (1) informing a student athlete of academic eligibility requirements and mandatory and expected team activities; or (2) providing other legitimate academic counseling and support services, in collaboration with the institution, to help student athletes pursue the academic interests of and improve academic outcomes for the student athlete.