CLEVELAND — The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) announced the Social Justice in College Athletics Initiative as part of a conscious effort to continue important conversations around difficult topics in the industry and in the world.
 
The goal of the Social Justice in College Athletics Initiative is to provide a platform with valuable resources for collegiate athletics administrators across the country during a time of transformative change in history, as the Association collectively aims to listen, learn and strive for equality, turning words into actions moving forward.
 
"This is a critical time in college athletics for many reasons, and NACDA recognizes the unique ability of our Association to be in a position to facilitate the necessary conversations to move the industry forward in a positive direction," said NACDA Chief Executive Officer Bob Vecchione. "The content that will come as a result of this initiative will benefit administrators at all levels, from all walks of life, as well as greater university communities as they come together to address social issues and ultimately improve the student experience."
 
Over the last month, NACDA has hosted two sessions related to diversity and inclusion and social issues that were received by the membership with an overwhelming response: "The Intersection of Race, Student-Athletes and College Athletics in America" (originally held June 24 – click here to view the recording) and "Developing & Executing Diversity and Inclusion Plans" (originally held July 14, click here to view the recording).
 
NACDA will continue to host monthly webinars throughout the 2020-21 membership year under the Social Justice in College Athletics theme. Written articles with related topics will also be included quarterly in Athletics Administration magazine. A committee to assist in coordinating topics, speakers and authors has been formed and includes: NACDA President Warde Manuel, Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics, University of Michigan; Allen Greene, Director of Athletics, Auburn University; MOAA President China Jude, Senior Associate AD/SWA, University of Wyoming; and NACDA Past President Lee Reed, Francis X. Rienzo Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Georgetown University.
 
Any suggestions related to the Social Justice in College Athletics Initiative can be sent to the NACDA Office via email at membership@nacda.com.
 
About NACDA: NACDA, now in its 56th year, is the professional and educational Association for more than 15,700 college athletics administrators at more than 1,700 institutions throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. More than 6,500 athletics administrators annually attend NACDA & Affiliates Convention Week. Additionally, NACDA manages 17 professional associations and three foundations. For more information on NACDA, visit www.nacda.com.