SportSafe Inclusion Program Presents to Student-Athletes
2/12/2019 4:11:59 PM | General
The Ohio State Department of Athletics is committed to diversity and inclusion in all forms. In late January, the Buckeye Equality Group hosted speakers from the LGBT SportSafe Inclusion Program to discuss methods of inclusion and to answer any questions from student-athletes, coaches and staff.
An evening session Jan. 27 engaged and educated hundreds of Buckeye student-athletes on how to champion respect in the athletics department. Student-athletes had the opportunity to learn how the choices we make shape our legacy and how we can use our personal platform to uplift and create a more inclusive athletics community
Several additional sessions the following day with coaches, administration and support staff explored best practices for creating LGBTQ inclusive teams while centering the experiences of student-athletes and upholding institutional values.
Participants had the opportunity to learn terminology and inclusive language, understand the significance and relevance of LGBTQ inclusion and discuss strategies for addressing challenges on the team.
Overall learning objectives included:
- Creating an athletics environment where individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities are valued and respected
- Address sport-specific challenges athletics administrators and coaches face in creating an LGBTQ inclusive athletics community for student-athletes
- Develop an action plan for coaches and athletics administrators to champion respect and implement best practices and policies for LGBTQ inclusion
