Examining the Adoption of Diversity and Inclusion Officers Within Division I Athletic Departments

• In Event: Moscone Center West Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: Reconsidering Issues of Equity in Intercollegiate Athletics at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly White Institutions

Abstract

Diversity and inclusion are becoming more prominent goals in intercollegiate athletic departments. Such goals are demonstrated through media campaigns relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, and queer college athletes, Black History Month uniforms, and the adoption of Diversity and Inclusion Officers within college sport. Division I athletic departments, both Football Bowl Subdivision and Football Championship Subdivision, have institutionalized individuals via title and position to address issues of diversity and inclusion. The aforementioned adoption follows societal trends in business sectors and higher education to create inaugural positions to improve workplace and educational climate issues. The purpose of this manuscript is to examine the adoption of Diversity and Inclusion Officers in Division I athletic departments through institutional and organizational culture theoretical lenses.

Author

• Ajhanai Channel Inez Newton - Anderson, University of Connecticut