Athletics and Recreation Update: February 2022
 
Over the past year, the Anti-Racism Advisory Group (ARAG) have continued to work towards meeting the milestones outlined in the action plan (PDF) created in response to the Athletics Review (PDF) of the Black Student-Athlete Experience. Below is a summary of progress made over the past quarter. 

New Black Excellence Awards
The review highlighted the importance of ensuring targeted awards and supports are in place to mitigate the specific barriers experienced by Black student-athletes. Alongside creating targeted mental health support, the department has launched new Black Excellence Athletic Financial awards, which will be distributed on an annual basis. In consultation with Black student-athletes and coaches, an application process has been designed which invites applicants to provide short submissions highlighting their leadership skills and excellence through service to school, family, and the wider community. A team of 15 Black athletics alumni has been assembled to assess the submissions. A total of 21 awards will be distributed at the end of the month.

Engagement Survey
A year into implementing the action plan arising out of the review, the department is embarking on an engagement survey to gather feedback about the work undertaken so far and determine priorities moving ahead. The survey which will be administered at the end of March is open to all students and staff in the department and will gather feedback about a number of aspects of the department's climate including, team cultures, approaches to conflict management, communication, and growth and development opportunities. Participants will be invited to share their views on what the department is doing well in building a diverse, equitable and inclusive department and what they would like to see the department focus on in continuing to prioritize inclusive excellence. 

Anti-Racism Symposium 
The department is delighted to be hosting an anti-racism symposium on May 2^nd titled Anti-Racism: Future Directions in Higher Education Athletics and Recreation. The day, which is the first of its kind, will bring together student-athletes, staff, and sport administrators from across Ontario. The focus of the day will be on sharing anti-racism initiatives and best practices focused on recruitment, education, support, and accountability. The symposium is being organized by the Department of Athletics and Recreation including students, coaches, staff, and administrators. It will, include keynote speakers, workshops, and new and notable roundtable talks. The symposium will take place on May 2^nd from 9:30-4:30pm at the Michael DeGroote Centre for Learning and Discovery (MCDL).

Discrimination and Harassment Reporting Procedures
All members of the  A&R Department should follow the Discrimination & Harassment Recognize, Respond, Refer Protocol outlined in the Blue Folder (PDF).  It is critically important that all incidents of possible bias, discrimination, harassment, hate are elevated immediately to the Athletics Director. Advice is also available from the Equity & Inclusion Office (equity@mcmaster.ca).
 
Thank you to our partners in HR, Student Affairs, the Equity and Inclusion Office, and the Office of Community Engagement for supporting the A&R Department with implementing the action plan.