| Herald-Journal
South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley is part of the newly created Southeast Conference Council on Racial Equity and Social Justice.
The group consists of a diverse group of student-athletes, administrators and coaches according to a statement and will “identify resources, outline strategies and assist in the implementation of efforts that, when considered together, will promote racial equity and social justice , while promoting diversity, helping to overcome racism and seeking non-discrimination in intercollegiate athletics ”.
The Board includes a senior coach from each of the SEC’s 17 men’s and women’s sports, with Staley being Gamecocks’ sole technical representative. Julian Williams, USC’s vice president for equality and diversity inclusion, is the university’s administrative representative.
“A major movement has been triggered around the equal treatment of all underrepresented minorities, and the SEC is determined to be a leader in the pursuit of significant and lasting changes,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey in a statement.
“With the Council as our guide, we will develop an action agenda built on the basis that everyone is created equal and ensure that this truth echoes in our stadiums, our arenas, our campuses, our communities, our states and our nation.”
In addition to coaches and administrators from across the league, other board members come from the SEC’s student-athlete involvement program, described as a “multi-faceted effort involving more than 60 student leaders in football, men’s and women’s basketball and all other sports within. of the conference. “
The league statement said: “Racial equity and social justice will be necessary discussions during all student-athlete advisory and leadership council meetings, while the presidents, vice presidents and / or other identified leaders of these groups will participate in the council meetings” .
Principal administrators and principal coaches will meet regularly with student-athletes to better understand and answer any questions and concerns they may have.
“Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders and change agents, and by listening, asking and seeking their ideas and advice, we begin the shared journey towards racial equality,” said Sankey.