Diversity In AD's

15 Pages 3635 Words

Diversity Issues In The Athletic Department
In this world, people interact with one another. People develop and exchange a
diverse set of identities. Their identities are informed by gender, race ethnicity, culture,
sexual orientation, religion, their varying physical and mental abilities, class, age,
education, profession, and regional identity. Each person carries social values and brings
multiple identities to the organizations and communities of which they are a part of.
Throughout history, people have always used each identity to hurt another group of
people whom they may have felt were a threat to them, or to simply hurt a minority group
to feel superior.
In the article, “Opportunity for Change”, Melissa Y. Rock states that

“the concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each
individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. These can be along the
dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical
abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies” (Rock, p.2).
Positive diversity is about the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive, and
nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple
tolerance to embracing the diversity contained within each individual. Sadly, in many
universities, diversity issues run rampant in some form. I want to show that diversity can
be a postive form in a athletic department.
As an athletic director of a university, I want to create some guidelines and
inform my staff about these issues because I believe in promoting a fair opportunity for
all players, coaches, spectators, all levels of participation to sports, and staff. Also I want
to create a good image for the university. Having problems with diversity promotes a
negative atmosphere, hurts people, and hurts the university’s im...