Diversity and Inclusion
Statement On Diversity & Inclusion
The Department of Athletics is committed to being a community that models inclusivity and positively contributes to the diversity and distinctiveness of the academic, social and cultural life of the institution. The Department Athletics seeks to be an innovative and welcoming community that is a preferred destination for the recruitment of a diverse and talented cohort of student-athletes, coaches and staff committed to the mission, vision and values of the department and the institution. In addition, the department strives to promote the ideals of equity, citizenship, fairness, dignity, courtesy and respect through its policies and practices as it engages in all aspects of the athletics enterprise.
The Department of Athletics abides by and fully supports the University Policy on Discrimination through its policies and expressly prohibits all acts of discrimination and harassment against applicants, students, faculty, or staff on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, ethnicity, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, military or veteran status, or any classification protected by local, state or federal law by student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans.
The University and the Department of Athletics encourage student-athletes, coaches, and staff, as well as community members to REPORT all bias incidents, discrimination, harassment, and hate crimes, and commit to responding per the process and policies as established by the university and the department.
Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was established in September of 2020 by Vice President and Director of Athletics John P. Hardt . The committee was formed to support the University of Richmond's commitment to fostering a thriving, inclusive University community, and Spider Athletics' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion for Spiders athletes, coaches, staff, and community members. The Council is tasked with conceptualizing, reviewing and implementing education, programming and community conversation opportunities for Spider athletics. The Committee includes representatives from the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and Spider Athletes of Color Alliance, as well as several coaches and Athletics staff members.
Spiders Vote Initiative
The Spiders Vote Initiative encourages voter registration, education and participation for all Spider student-athletes, coaches and staff. The initiative will coordinate voter registration efforts and provide virtual educational sessions with Spider student-athletes. This programming focuses on important issues such as voting rights and historical perspectives on civic engagement.
Spiders United for Change
The Spiders United for Change (SUFC) initiative is the unifying umbrella organization in the Athletics department to facilitate efforts in inclusion, equity, diversity and social justice for our student-athletes, coaches and staff members. Spiders United for Change is intended to be a unifying force within the athletics department that will facilitate communication and help create positive change regarding issues of civic engagement, social justice and racial equality.