The Anti-Racism Group within Kenyon's Department of Athletics, Fitness and Recreation was formed during the 2020-21 academic year and consists of a handful of both coaches and student-athletes. One of the first tasks the group took on was establishing statements concerning its meaningful purpose, as well as identifying definitive action items.
Those statements are listed below.
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Being anti-racist within the Kenyon Department of Athletics, Fitness and Recreation means we not only embrace diversity, equity and inclusion,
but we actively work to root out systemic inequalities and discrimination within our society and across our campus.
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DIVERSITY
Regarding diversity, Kenyon Athletics respects and celebrates student diversity. Our campus is filled with students, faculty and staff from across the country and around the globe. Not only should Kenyon Athletics celebrate this diversity, but it should also encourage and actively seek to add diverse voices to the Kenyon community. Kenyon Athletics should recognize its geographical disadvantage in regards to attracting diverse student-athletes and staff; therefore, it should be willing to break down barriers that stand in the way of opportunity for student-athletes from various racial and economic backgrounds. Kenyon Athletics should celebrate the diversity currently on campus while always seeking avenues to increase it.Â
EQUITY
With regard to equity, Kenyon Athletics should use its resources and privileges to provide opportunities to student-athletes, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, who otherwise may not have access to them. Whether it be on or off the playing field, equity in Kenyon Athletics encompasses a standard of conduct for all student-athletes and staff that is explicitly antiÂ-racist and anti-discriminatory. Student-athletes and staff have a personal responsibility to treat each member of the Kenyon community with respect. Any infractions must be acknowledged and addressed swiftly. Kenyon Athletics must have a zero tolerance policy for racist and discriminatory behavior.Â
INCLUSION
With regards to inclusion, Kenyon must be a safe space for all students, faculty and staff. One of the main objectives of the Athletics Department should be to earn the trust of students of color. In order to develop trust with these communities, Kenyon Athletics must acknowledge past failures and commit to enacting a plan to ensure these shortcomings do not occur again. Inclusion means all members of the community feel welcome and safe; to accomplish this, Kenyon Athletics should solicit feedback from the community on its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on a regular basis so that the department can measure its progress.
