Another View
What do sports have to do with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)? Plenty, say their supporters and those who are deeply involved in the longstanding efforts to create a leveled playing field in our society.
The national NAACP last week called on Black student-athletes to reconsider their decisions to attend public colleges and universities in Florida after its governor and legislature passed a law that banned these institutions from using government funds on diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson in his letter to Black players nationwide urged them to “choose wisely” in selecting a college in Florida, emphasizing the crucial role of DEI “in ensuring equitable and effective educational outcomes.”
At least 30 states with Republican politicians in charge have introduced bills to restrict or do away entirely DEI offices. Last year Texas passed a law ordering all DEI offices at state-funded colleges and universities defunded.
“DEI is toxic and has no place in our public universities,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis reportedly tweeted.
DEI was the overall theme of the March 6 “Critical Conversations” panel discussion held on the first day of the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament in downtown Minneapolis. Sponsored by Minnesota Sports and Events (MSE), the panelists included State of MN Chief Equity Officer Dr. Shephanie Burrage and Minneapolis Public Schools Athletic Director Anthony Fisher. Kathie Eiland-Madison, Delta Dental of MN chief engagement and inclusion officer, and NMPD Chief DEI Officer Alex Tittle served as moderators.
DEI principles are reshaping the landscape of sports both on and off the court and field, especially in the representation of marginalized groups in sports leadership and management, agreed the four panelists.
“It is under fire,” declared Tittle. “The country is making an effort to reverse everything that folk was awoken about in 2020. Some of us have been living it our entire lives, and for generations.”
“Diversity is very important in the workplace and sports, but nothing we’ve done seems to be getting us over the hump,” Tittle said. “The world is not just about White men.”
Added Dr. Burrage, “We are all doing this work differently. There is more than race-based equity to look at.”
The panelists elaborated on their views to the MSR after the one-hour session.
“It’s a shame that over 70 percent of our employees or our athletes are Black or people of color,” added Tittle, “and the leaders don’t reflect this. We got to do better, and it’s a responsibility that we all have.”
Fisher said that if corporate America and other industries want a diversity model to emulate, ESPN might be an ideal example. “ESPN years ago took the approach of diversifying who their analysts were, who their employees were,” he noted. “One can make an argument for the fact that they are probably one of the most relevant and successful global franchises in the country, and in the world I should say.
“If we can look to examples like that for success,” he pointed out. “They’ve created the blueprint.”
Burrage surmised that sports can be the beginning foundation in teaching the importance of DEI to young people. “It helps them build good skills, and it helps them grow into young men and women, and it helps them in life and they learn a lot of good skills,” she said.
“It was nice to have a conversation and to know that individuals, particularly in Minnesota, are still committed to this work,” noted Eiland-Madison.”
According to MSE’s Gabrielle Greer, this “conversation” is what her organization wanted to make part of the two basketball tournaments—involving community folk.
“Yes, it’s a tournament, but the athletes are also humans, and those experiences as an athlete also become an asset. This is what we’re talking about building community beyond the court.” On the all-Black DEI panel discussion, Greer said, “I’m grateful that they were able to say that in a way that was meaningful and contributing.”
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