SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The recently-established Athletic Committee for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, which is comprised of Santa Clara student-athletes, coaches, staff, faculty and alumni, has developed its mission statement and core values, as well as creating initiatives.
 
The committee has been meeting since June to develop a comprehensive plan to aid Santa Clara Athletics in racial justice reform.
 
The mission statement states 'our Jesuit values call us to stand in solidarity with people marginalized by: ability, gender, national origin, religion, sexual preference as well as other disenfranchised groups' and 'our primary focus is on race and ethnicity; we commit to doing our part to dismantle systemic racism and measuring progress through annual assessment with respect to our core values.'

In addition, the committee established its core values with the acronym CURE – Celebrate, Unite, Represent and Educate.
 
• Celebrate: Honor and celebrate underrepresented student-athletes and staff
• Unite: Create a sense of belonging for all. Diverse cultures win
• Represent: Protect and promote current student-athletes and staff from underrepresented groups
• Educate: See through the lens of others and inspire empathy
 
"It's time to CURE the many injustices which have been present in our society for far too long," director of athletics Renee Baumgartner said. "Athletics provides us with a tremendous platform to create change and I believe this committee has the ability to make a difference."
 
These are the initiatives that will be enacted immediately with more to follow during this academic year and beyond:
 
• Additional diversity training for student-athletes, staff, coaches and administrators
• Establishing an affinity group for Black, Indigenous and people of color student-athletes, coaches, staff and administrators
• Voter registration information provided to all student-athletes, staff and administrators
• Develop a comprehensive plan for the NCAA Diversity and Inclusion Social Media Campaign (Oct. 27-29)
• Book and movie clubs
 
A book club began last month after the department was approached by student-athletes, Liyah Lopez from softball and Zach Litoff from men's cross country/track and field. The membership has grown to 40 student-athletes and 20 coaches, staff and administrators.

Plans are being discussed during regular committee meetings for implementation of further initiatives including details on state voter registration requirements.
 
"I've been moved by our committee's candid conversations and initial actions plans," Carl Reed, chair of the committee and assistant athletic director, said. "I also recognize that these initial steps are just the beginning to bring about true change and understanding with our Athletic Department and University Campus community. The change that is needed will take time but we start that change now!"

MISSION STATEMENT
The Athletic Committee for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strives to celebrate, unite, represent and educate in supporting the retention and success of Santa Clara University student-athletes, coaches, staff and administrators. Our Jesuit values call us to stand in solidarity with people marginalized by: ability, gender, national origin, religion, sexual preference as well as other disenfranchised groups. Our primary focus is on race and ethnicity. We commit to doing our part to dismantle systemic racism and measuring progress through annual assessment with respect to our core values.
 
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
• Student-Athletes: Isaac Addai, Trinity Billingslea, Lana Hollingsworth, Sofia Jones, Zach Litoff, Sammy Needham, Alex Scales, Jalen Williams
• Coaches: Niall Angus, Herb Sendek
• Staff: Renee Baumgartner, Donna Bolio, Jessica Everhart, Carl Reed (chair)
• Faculty/Alumni: Aldo Billingslea, Danielle Slaton

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