America East Announces Next Steps to Combat Racial Inequality
BOSTON – Continuing its commitment to bring an end to racial inequality and promote social justice, the America East Conference announced today several next steps in that quest. Those initiatives include the formation of a Spread Respect Advisory Group to address systemic racial injustice and inequality conference-wide, the activation of a civic engagement initiative providing voter education resources to student-athletes and plans for the conference’s next Spread Respect Conversation.
In addition to these action steps, America East was the first conference to collectively have its men’s and women’s basketball coaches commit to make November 3, Election Day, a mandatory day off for its student-athletes. They also committed to hosting anti-racism events at a home game this year to shine the spotlight on eliminating discrimination and inequality.
America East is steadfast in its commitment to ending racial inequality. The conference’s Spread Respect initiative, launched several years ago, raises awareness to ensure equality and safety for all student-athletes, coaches and fans without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.
“We have been a leader within college athletics in the area of diversity and inclusion for many years,” said America East Commissioner, Amy Huchthausen. “There is no more important time to continue prioritizing our work in this area and engage our membership in thoughtful conversation and targeted work that brings about change. Our membership is and has always been committed to tackling these challenges directly and providing solutions for sustained, long-term progress.”
Formation of Spread Respect Advisory Group
The Spread Respect Advisory Group will address systemic racial injustice and inequality and its direct impact on the lives of our student-athletes, staffs and administrators within the America East. The multidisciplinary group will be comprised of leaders from America East’s 10 campuses, including presidents, university leaders, athletics administrators, coaches, student-athletes, and alumni.
The Advisory Group will work to develop actionable recommendations that will promote sustained long-term impact in combating racism and racial inequality across the conference and for its members institutions.
RISE to Conduct Civic Engagement Workshops for Student-Athletes
America East will leverage its partnership with RISE to coordinate a series of workshops geared to educate student-athletes specifically about voting, but more broadly their responsibility to be more civically engaged in their communities and circles of influence. The intention of the workshops is to equip student-athletes with the knowledge, skills, resources and opportunities to engage in meaningful conversation that will result in more inclusive communications and empower them as leaders on this important topic. The latter workshops will include in depth education on the history and significance of voting and voter registration.
In 2019, America East teamed up with RISE to expand the scope of its Spread Respect initiative and broaden the conversation on race. Activations have included campus conversations on race at both UMBC and Stony Brook in addition to RISE providing insight on member institution’s current practices as it relates to diversity. RISE is a national nonprofit that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations. Through its partnerships and programs, RISE inspires leaders in sports to create positive change on matters of race and equality.
Spread Respect Conversations
In June, America East launched a new education series in an effort to connect individuals throughout the conference during this important time for learning and support. America East Spread Respect Conversations will bring together people from around the conference to discuss issues of racial injustice and equality.
The first episode, which drew over 125 America East coaches on June 25, featured UMass Lowell Head Women's Basketball Coach Tom Garrick and University of Vermont Associate AD for Student-Athlete Development and Academic Affairs/SWA Cathy Rahill. The duo engaged in conversation about racial injustice, allyship and how to have these conversations with your coaching staff and student-athletes. Part Two of the conversation will take place on Thursday, July 16 and is again open exclusively to America East coaches. Future conversations will feature administrators, coaches and student-athletes from around the league to share their stories, dialogue amongst each other and educate peers on this critical topic.
About America East: The America East provides its member schools and their athletic programs a platform upon which student-athletes can achieve both collegiate and life success through the promotion and nurturing of athletic excellence, academic achievement and leadership, on and off the field. For more information, visit www.AmericaEast.com or follow the America East Conference on Twitter @AmericaEast.
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