John Mara is standing with Giants players who protest racism and social injustice.

Including any who chose to kneel during the national anthem when games start.

“My preference is that everybody stand,” the Giants’ co-owner said Thursday, “but if you decide in your conscience that kneeling is the right thing to do, I’m going to support your right to do that because I believe in the First Amendment. I believe in the right of people, especially the players, to take a knee in silent protest if that’s what they want to do.”

Mara said he plans to discuss the hot-button issue with the team sometime before Week 1. The Giants opened last week’s scrimmage by airing a video featuring Mara and prominent players promoting unity to prompt systemic change.

“My position back in 2017 is the same as it is now,” Mara said.

As part of the newly launched #TogetherBlue campaign, the Giants are partnering with nine local organizations to address areas such as poverty, homelessness, education, substance abuse, criminal justice and police-community relations.

“What makes it easy for me to [support them] is when I see how much work they are doing in the community and how important what is going on in this country is to each of them,” Mara said. “They back it up with actions, not just words. Our players are very engaged in working in a lot of different areas.”

Even though it is unlikely fans will be in the stadium this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mara understands players kneeling won’t sit well with those who interpret it as disrespectful of the military.

The league has changed its stance this offseason and commissioner Roger Goodell admitted he should have listened sooner to former quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s message about inequality.

“I understand and accept the fact that is not going to be necessarily popular with certain segments of our fan base,” Mara said, “but I think it’s the right thing to do.”

Mara, who is chairman of the NFL’s Management Council, senses a growing number of team owners share his mindset. Commissioner Roger Goodell admitted he should have listened sooner to former quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s message in 2016-17.

“I think there’s been more of an acceptance of the fact that players have the right to engage in peaceful protests,” Mara said. “I think there has been a change over the last three or four years, especially given what’s gone on in this country. I can’t say that everybody feels that way, but I definitely have felt things moving in that direction.”

Mara declined comment on the hypothetical of players boycotting games over injustice.

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Here are three other things to know from Mara’s preseason briefing:

—  The Giants are not for sale. Action Network mentioned in July that about half the NFL teams, including the Giants, could be up for sale due to economic fallout from the pandemic. “It hasn’t [crossed my mind],” he said. “We’re in this for the long haul.”

—  Mara said a decision on cornerback DeAndre Baker’s future with the Giants “will be made sooner rather than later.” The Post reported Baker, who was arrested in May and faces four counts of armed robbery, is expected to be released before the season opener.

Mara said he listens in on pre-draft meetings discussing player backgrounds, especially concerning first-round picks: “There was no indication that we should be concerned about any criminal activity,” he said. “That was a big disappointment.”

The Giants released kicker Aldrick Rosas after a hit-and-run accident in June resulted in three misdemeanor charges. He was aware of Rosas’ DUI arrest in college in 2016: “He seemed to be doing well. He had a Pro Bowl year a couple years ago and is just a good person. It was very disappointing to see that happen.”

—  Mara is not optimistic the Giants will play in front of home fans at any point this season in adherence with New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s regulations. Other NFL teams plan to host limited crowds.

“Certain areas of the country are going to be a little more liberal about letting people in the building,” Mara said. “That’s just something that we’re going to have to accept and move forward.”