ROCHESTER, NY – The Nazareth College Athletic Department has been meeting and planning since the start of the academic year and today launched a new department effort to enhance the learning experience of all student-athletes and coaches with the creation of the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion team.

A group of select student-athletes will have representation on a coordinating committee as ambassadors. The ambassadors will exchange information between teams and plan educational opportunities for fellow team members through an enhanced programming effort.

"We have always made an effort to help the teams and student-athletes at Nazareth create an accepting and inclusive environment," said Athletic Director Peter Bothner. "The events across the country including some right here in Rochester have made us more aware of the continued need for additional education to better understand and accept the needs and feelings of others."

To help launch the project on February 20 – World Day of Social Justice – the department released a video that features several student-athletes and coaches from the different teams at Nazareth.

"We have refocused our effort to make diversity, equity and inclusion more of a priority in our department and on our teams," said Bothner. "We understand that we are good as individuals in the effort but we are great as a team to create an accepting culture."

The creation and launch of the Athletic Department video is just the start of an ongoing effort to improve our culture and hopefully be an example that others can mirror as the effort moves forward.

The department has teamed with diversity, equity and inclusion experts on campus to provide a coordinated effort that is in line with the mission of the college.

"I am excited to work with the student-athletes and coaches to help enrich a better understanding of diversity, belonging, equity and inclusion," said Olajiwon McCadney, Assistant Vice President for Inclusion, Diversity and Educational Achievement. "The group of ambassadors from the different teams will bring energy and ideas for continued advocacy, outreach as well as social justice education, which can be spread throughout the department." 

"We continue to be committed to cultivating a culture of accepting each other and working together to help create a more welcoming and accepting society," said Bothner. "We strive to educate all student-athletes to be better members of society and create environments that accurately reflect the diversity of our communities."