KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Tuesday, the Western Michigan University (WMU) Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced that it has created a new Diversity Task Force.
According to an official statement, the goal of the task force is to discuss issues of inclusion and diversity on the Western Michigan University campus and throughout the Kalamazoo community.
The WMU Athletics Diversity Task Force is comprised of WMU coaches, WMU Athletic Department staff members and student-athletes convening behind a theme of “We Must Unite,” which is also the acronym of Western Michigan University.
“I am excited to contribute to the WMU Athletics’ Diversity Task Force,” Senior Associate Athletic Director Keanah Smith said in a statement. “My hope is that we can provide acceptance, education and change for our student-athletes, staff, coaches and community, and that this work heals some of the frustration and hurt that is prevalent in our country.”
According to the release, WMU Athletics is committed to:
- Providing a Safe Inclusive Space. A place where all are welcome … every race, color, creed, sexual orientation and religion.
- Listening. Everyone will be encouraged to come with open ears, open minds and open hearts to listen to the stories and experiences that will provide all with a reality of what occurs in our world past and present.
- Providing Education and Awareness. Making resources and educational opportunities readily available to all student-athletes, coaches and staff members.
- Advocating for Equality. We believe in fighting for equal opportunities for all and to participate in activities that will contribute to and ultimately benefit a better future.
- Creating Real Change. Using community service, volunteer activities and outreach programs to continue to spread our message beyond the WMU Athletics community.
“I’m really proud of the work we’ve accomplished so far,” WMU Women’s Gymnastics head coach Penny Jernigan added. “When we came together in June, we were all so broken-hearted by the death of George Floyd. It was really raw emotionally. After listening to my African-American co-workers’ personal stories of inequity and quite frankly, terror, I knew I wanted to help. We’ve continued the dialog, made plans, and shared resources. Now, we’re beginning the process of executing them. We’re all highly motivated to end systemic racism within our athletic department and I’m hopeful that we’re going to see some real change.”
WMU Women’s Soccer head coach Sammy Boateng is one of eight members of the WMU coaching staff on the Task Force.
“We have held uncomfortable conversations,” Boatend said in a statement. “But, the meetings have been productive putting together a plan that will open the doors for our student-athletes and staff to educate themselves and provide a safe and inclusive space for all. We want to give our student-athletes a platform to address racial and social injustices in our society, country and world. I am extremely proud to be a part of this effort.”
More information on the task force, including a video, can be viewed here.
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