INDIANAPOLIS — Despite the growing diversity at higher education institutions across the nation, too many student-athletes still find that they’re the “first” or the “only one” on their team or in their department. That topic was among many issues discussed Thursday at the NCAA Inclusion Forum.
The annual forum brought together more than 650 students, faculty, athletic directors, and administrators for a three-day conversation focused on enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives at colleges and universities. The forum also focused on the intersectional identities of student-athletes.
And when it comes to historically Black colleges and universities, many assume that diversity programming for student-athletes is either non-existent or not needed.
The annual NCAA Inclusion Forum convened more than 650 students, faculty, athletic directors, and administrators.
That’s not true, said panelists who added that the definition of diversity has to be broadened and expanded beyond the contours of race.
“All Black students are not the same,” said Frank D. Dorsey, II, dean of student involvement and leadership at University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff, adding that focusing on the places where students come from can help to facilitate a culture of belonging on campus.
Christina Ruffin, assistant athletic director for academics and student services at Norfolk State University, agreed, saying that the misconceptions about HBCUs is that the students are the same.
“We have first-generation students and students from different social economic backgrounds,” said Ruffin. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that the degree at an HBCU will not weigh the same, and that is not true. We have great programs at HBCUs, but our stories are not told as much.”
