The NCAA office of inclusion hosted an energized Inclusion Forum last week, with more than 4,300 participants registering to learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion topics in athletics and higher education. The forum, which generally draws around 600 attendees in person, returned in a virtual format after the event was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19.
This year's theme was "A Vision for Change: Empowering Voices and Rising to Action." The event also had a creative twist each of the three days, featuring former Bethel College student-athlete and NCAA intern Leland Brown as the virtual emcee. This year's forum drew more interest as it took place on the heels of the rise of national social justice issues, anti-transgender state legislation, gender equity concerns, and continued attention around promoting more diversity, equity and inclusion in intercollegiate athletics.
"We had tremendous engagement from the NCAA membership and other partners for the Inclusion Forum's first time in the virtual space," said Amy Wilson, managing director of inclusion. "You could feel the energy each day through the keynote speakers and the educational sessions, which provided membership with strategies on how they can be more inclusive on their campuses and in their communities. The membership had the opportunity to learn, consider significant diversity, equity and inclusion issues from different perspectives, and then take ideas back to their departments to share with their colleagues and fellow student-athletes."
Yorri Berry, a spoken word artist, delivered pointed and inspirational messages in a poetic and fiery presentation to open the forum. She encouraged people to confront their fears and levels of discomfort, while also pressing toward further change and being open to doing things in different ways. Her session, which also reflected on her life experiences, was one of the most popular of the event.
Powerful messages followed from Johnnetta B. Cole, president emerita of Spelman College and Bennett College for Women, and Howard Ross, an unconscious bias and diversity expert. Both talked about the current state of diversity, equity and inclusion work and where matters might be headed in the future. They said individuals tend to focus only on systemic issues that might be political or directed toward business functions. To move the needle, however, they said awareness needs to occur across many landscapes.
In addition to providing learning opportunities, the forum offered students-athletes a platform to be presenters and panelists, while also allowing them to share their stories. My Story Matters: Elevating the Student-Athlete Voice was a session that allowed for an in-depth conversation around the various identities that student-athletes live. Students also participated in a three-session program called Sports for Social Change, which centered on how they can continue using their influence and collective voices to bring about change in society.
The Inclusion Forum had a few new session offerings this year. More than 30 chancellors and presidents participated in a session specifically for them to hear updates on inclusion programs and issues that impact athletics and higher education. The forum also welcomed more than 230 athletics diversity and inclusion designees to the event, where results from a membership survey on the ADID role were provided. Stressing the importance of the designation and how to stay better engaged in the role were discussion topics, as well. Additionally, Zachary Pelchat, a civil rights attorney from the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, addressed Title IX and athletics compliance.
Supporting the mental health of student-athletes was one of the more popular presentations after a year where student-athletes openly talked about their mental health and well-being issues and challenges during COVID-19. There was also a session on transgender and nonbinary student-athlete participation, with discussions taking place on the NCAA transgender policy and anti-transgender state laws.
The last day of the forum featured Tamika Catchings, vice president of Fever basketball operations and general manager of the WNBA Indiana Fever, and Renee Montgomery, part owner and vice president of the WNBA Atlanta Dream, talking about how they use their platforms and presence to confront social justice issues.
Yannick Kluch, assistant professor and director of outreach and inclusive excellence at VCU, opened conversation on ways student-athletes could elevate their activism around campus and community initiatives, topics and issues. He was joined by sport sociology researcher Shannon Jolly, who also shared his thoughts on how athletes can be more visible and vocal with the rise around activism. This session also featured viewpoints and detailed experiences from student-athletes, coaches and administrators.
Former TCU football team member Caylin Moore closed the forum by talking about his extraordinary childhood experiences and life dreams, which started in tough conditions in Compton, California, and continued with him being named a Rhodes Scholar. Moore, who credits his mother, God and sports for overcoming his struggles, is author of the book "A Dream Too Big."
For more information on inclusion programs and initiatives, visit ncaa.org/inclusion.
