2023 NCAA Inclusion Forum emphasizes inclusivity in college sports

The NCAA’s office of inclusion welcomed more than 600 member administrators, coaches and student-athletes from across the country for the 2023 NCAA Inclusion Forum. 

Attendees descended on downtown Indianapolis to learn about the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives on member campuses and in conference offices. Educational programming focused on each of the office of inclusion’s five core areas: disability, LGBTQ, race/ethnicity, women and international inclusion.

ADIDs add to success

A new feature of this year’s Inclusion Forum was the ADID Summit, a series of education sessions specifically designed for athletics diversity and inclusion designees. The summit kicked off the 2023 Inclusion Forum and featured detailed education and networking opportunities specific to the ADID role. Sessions offered best practices that ADIDs can take back with them to keep driving inclusive practices on their campuses.

DII program brings campus leaders from 26 schools 

For the first time, Division II offered an Enhanced Attendance Program for administrators and student-athletes to participate in the forum. The program included 26 schools who each sent teams of four to six staff members and student-athletes. Attendees had to be nominated either by their conference office or school. The division covered travel, lodging and most meals for program participants.

While on-site, teams had the chance to identify and develop a specific action plan to enhance inclusion within their department and on their campus.

Division II is planning to host Enhanced Attendance Program attendees at the Inclusion Forum every other year. 

Keynotes hit the key notes

Attendees heard from keynote speakers throughout the event, including Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative and author of the bestseller “Just Mercy”; Harry Edwards, professor emeritus at California, civic activist and author; and Emily Ladau, disability rights activist, writer and speaker. The speakers challenged attendees to think about how they can be more inclusive in their roles on campus and in conference offices.

Attendees give back

Inclusion Forum participants gave back to the city of Indianapolis during the event, taking part in a service project with United Way of Central Indiana. Attendees assembled nutritious snack packs, complete with a motivational note, for children around the Circle City.