Women's basketball team statement and department action plan in support of our Black student-athletes

TORONTO - On Saturday, February 18, 2023, the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's basketball team took a stance by kneeling and wearing black t-shirts in response to the absence of Black History Month branded initiatives by TMU's department of Athletics and Recreation.

We've been made aware that the department of athletics and recreation takes an integrated approach to promotion of equity and inclusion. However, as Black student-athletes, we feel neglected by not being prioritized during the month that celebrates our history. The celebration of Black experiences should not be seen as a choice, as they have been historically marginalized or ignored. Our realities prevent us from the luxury of choosing to ignore Black history, discrimination and the depth of systemic issues.

Following this, members of the TMU Bold women's basketball team met with the department's administration to share our feelings. The administration readily accepted our criticism and we have agreed to the following immediate steps:

Establish a BIPOC Working Committee that will provide recommendations and consultation for actions to enhance the recognition, education, and celebration of diverse TMU athletics staff and student-athletes
The BIPOC Working Committee will be comprised of:
- Student-athlete representatives
- Campus staff representative
- Athletics staff (counselor, coach, marketing, & administration)
Specifically, the BIPOC Working Committee will oversee the creation of an annual diversity calendar of events to ensure recognition and celebration through TMU Bold media channels and/or at game day events.
The BIPOC Working Committee will work with TMU's Athletics & Recreation department to ensure that a robust communication plan is developed and delivered annually through:
- The creation of a devoted webpage on TMU Bold athletics, which includes:
  - Values and inclusion statement
  - The names of Working Committee members
  - Contact information
  - Links to campus resources and professional resources
  - Link to Athletics & Recreation's EDI calendar
Explore whether a BIPOC student-athlete committee should be created to provide a forum to raise the voices of our racialized student-athletes with the department administration

The visibility of Black student athletes matters. We are committed to ensuring visibility while calling others to action while the attention of our community is cued around Black History and issues or race and racism. Athletics & Recreation has heard us and stands in support of us.

Recommendation Timelines:

Establish committee members by March 20th
Hold first meeting during March
April 30: submit recommendations to athletic department

Print Friendly Version