(LEBANON, Ill., June 10)—The McKendree University Department of Athletics is proud to announce the establishment of the McKendree Student-Athlete Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
The purpose of this committee is to enhance dialogue and understanding regarding issues that student-athletes are dealing with as they relate to diversity and inclusion. This committee gives a voice to the student-athletes to work in tandem with the department staff and administration to make our campus community even stronger.
"We are forming this committee in an effort to bring actions, results and change that we know is necessary," said Brueggemann. "McKendree has a large and diverse student-athlete population, and as representatives of our institution, they must be seen and heard. For us, it is simply not enough to say that we support them. It is not enough to talk. It is time to act. We look forward to being part of the dialogue to improve the environment for our student-athlete population."
"At the core of every great organization is diversity and leadership," said Shelby Benn, who serves as Student Government Association president at McKendree and is also a member of the Bearcats' football program. "McKendree is committed to building and improving upon the diversity it has at this institution. A part of this improvement will be the Student-Athlete Diversity and Inclusion Committee. This committee will be tailored to discussing topics of diversity, inclusion and gender equity among its student-athletes and the athletics staff and administration.
"In the words of Nelson Mandela, 'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.' This committee will give a voice to minority student-athletes to help with programming and education within our programs. A committee this powerful will help sustain and build foundations for diversity and inclusion at McKendree," Benn added.
"The McKendree University Social Justice and Equity Committee (SJEC) is very excited to collaborate with the Student-Athlete Diversity and Inclusion Committee," said Ranodore Foggs, director of public safety and chairman of the Social Justice and Equity Committee at McKendree. "This new partnership is a vital step in sustaining social justice and racial harmony on our campus. I look forward to our shared quest to provide avenues that will further enhance communication and understanding in more practical and meaningful ways."
"I applaud the efforts of McKendree University to create a Student-Athlete Diversity and Inclusion Committee," said Jim Naumovich, commissioner of the Great Lakes Valley Conference. "Prioritizing a forum for the expression of thoughts, ideas, concerns and possible solutions is a positive step in creating open lines of communications and is consistent with the GLVC Mission and Core Values statement to promote student-athlete development. Furthermore, the formation of this committee will help to establish and maintain an inclusive culture that fosters equitable participation for student-athletes, coaches and administrators from diverse experiences and backgrounds."
