Although the vaccine to battle COVID-19 has shined hope in the news (please be safe and wear your mask), social justice and antiracism is still at the forefront of change. We must turn the mirror on higher education institutions and the policies and practices that were created and adhered too, that reflect less than antiracist policies. Universities across the country are acknowledging these racist policies, having listening sessions, and creating antiracist task forces to identify policies to correct the wrongs.
The response to the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and many of other Black people have erupted purposeful change globally. This change is being examined and interrogated especially with our Black College Student-Athletes. For many years, our Black College Student-Athletes have been disenfranchised. For some time, the voices of our College Student-Athletes have been stifled for fear of losing scholarships and/or retaliation. Today, Black College Student-Athletes have been empowered to speak up for social justice and to impose antiracist policies within their respective sports.
Athletic Directors, coaches, and athletic staff are struggling to be part of the solution. These are some action items that can be implemented for institutions of higher education to provide support for our Black College Student-Athletes?
- Coaches lend your voices to the “movement” and not the “moment”.
- Invite student-athletes to the table to discuss their perspective on racism in the academy and within athletics.
- Develop a Student Athletic Diversity Advisory Board to advise the Athletic Director on issues, programs, opportunities for growth, and strengths of the programs from an equity lens.
- Have regular trainings for head coaches and staff on equity and social justice.
- Provide sustainable funding for an equity officer in athletics to address equity and diversity issues of students and coaching staff.
We challenge my colleagues within Athletics across the nation to be engaged in the process of equity and justice that will lead to an inclusive environment.
