Inclusion Code
The University of Connecticut maintains a steadfast commitment to our student-athletes, staff, and fans to promote an environment of safety, inclusion, and celebration. In epitomizing the true spirit of Husky Athletics, student-athletes will refrain from any and all language and action derogatory in nature toward any individual or group based on race, ethnicity, religious creed, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, ability, gender identity or expression, or other factors affiliated with someone’s actual or assumed identity.
Failure to uphold this commitment is antithetical to the safety of student-athlete peers, staff, fans, and others, is not representative of the University of Connecticut or the Division of Athletics, and will not, under any circumstances be tolerated.
UConn Athletics Diversity & Inclusion Resources
Office of Diversity and Inclusion - Racial Justice Resources
Office of Diversity and Inclusion - 10 Books to Read about Race
The Neag School of Education
The Women's Center
https://rainbowcenter.uconn.edu/
https://career.uconn.edu/diversity-and-inclusion-career-resources/lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender/
UConn Athletics Diversity & Inclusion Committee
As the 2020-21 academic year commences the UConn division of athletics has renewed its commitment to fostering an environment on campus that promotes equity, inclusion and social justice.
The diversity and inclusion committee, which was formed in March of 2019, has been charged with spearheading this effort and will focus on providing educational opportunities for staff and student-athletes. The committee has dedicated itself to continuing conversation with student-athletes, especially as it relates to hearing the concerns and priorities of the student-athlete population. The division of athletics is committed to supporting these initiatives whenever possible.
A priority for student-athletes has been voter education with a goal of every student-athlete becoming a registered voter. With assistance from the D&I voter education subcommittee, several teams, including men's basketball, softball, women's ice hockey, volleyball, women's basketball, women's lacrosse, men's golf, women's tennis, men's and women's swimming & diving and women's soccer have achieved 100 percent voter registration.
Since its inception, the D&I has helped coordinate several educational initiatives including distributing diversity and inclusion information via the athletics newsletter and monthly trivia competitions.
Internal education was also provided on LGBTQIA+ terminology and the committee was focused on creating policies to ensure the application of inclusive practices within the department especially as it relates to a self-assessment of athletics facilities to safeguard the comfort of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The D&I also collaborated with the university in the development of a Husky Inclusion logo, which represents the initiative across the entire university community and established a virtual library for the purpose of self-education on various diversity and inclusion topics.
Following the horrific murder of George Floyd, many more athletics employees and student-athletes expressed interest in becoming involved with the committee, allowing for several subcommittees to be established. The subcommittees include teams to focus on Voter Education, Workshop Presentation, Communications/Social Media and Virtual Library.
On June 9, the D&I organized a forum between athletics staff and student-athletes with the goal of discussing social and racial injustice globally and on campus.
In July the Husky Inclusion Code was developed and made a part of the student-athlete handbook. The D&I also established recommended practices for those that are found to be in violation of the code. Also in July, members of the D&I committee participated in facilitator training and then served as facilitators in a student-athlete and staff workshop, which sought to promote conversation about implicit bias and microaggressions.
Doug Glanville, an adjunct professor at UConn and former major league baseball player, gave a Husky Inclusion presentation to staff and student-athletes on August 27.
On November 2, SAAC held a student-athlete led panel discussion on issues related to diversity and inclusion. Approximately 80 student-athletes and staff joined the panelists in a virtual setting.
UConn Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Mission
UConn athletics strives to create and foster an inclusive environment that allows all to be their authentic selves. As ambassadors we seek to help create a space that is conscious of biases including but not limited to: race, ethnicity, religion, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, nationality, or disability through intentional education, conversations, programming and celebrations.
Diversity and Inclusion Workshops
August 27, 2020 | Discussion With Doug Glanville
September 22, 2020 | Discussion With Renee Montgomery and Caron Butler
