UMD Department of Athletics Launches Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
In the wake of a nationwide call for universities to make greater commitments toward systemic justice, the Minnesota-Duluth Athletic Department left much to be desired — until now. On October 10, 15 student-athletes gathered to represent their teams in the first-ever Department of Athletics Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council meeting. The council clearly identifies their intention: “Our mission, as a group, is to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture on campus and throughout the community by striving to ensure that the voices of all Bulldog student-athletes are heard.”
Brown, who doubles as Council President and starting guard for the UMD Men's Basketball team, drives the net in last year's match up against University of Wisconsin-Superior. Photo credit: Terry Norton
The council, which was spearheaded by Bulldogs senior basketball player, Joshua Brown and Athletic Director, Forrest Karr, has been in the works since the beginning of the school year and has at least one representative from each sport.
Brown, who took the lead on behalf of all Bulldog student-athletes, wants to improve communication between students and administration.
“There were plenty of reasons why I felt that this was a need here at UMD, but a few of the main reasons were so that student-athletes could have a direct line of communication with administration,” Brown said. “Also to be able to speak for ourselves, and along with that providing insight and thoughts about the institution, athletic department and community.”
Director Karr, who led the effort on the administrative side, says he is committed to expanding the efforts of the Athletic Department on matters of diversity, equity and inclusion. “My hope is that engaged students will continue to serve on the council and be part of the UMD Department of Athletics decision-making process for many years to come.”
The lack of a student-lead Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council was an unaccounted for voice under previous leadership and, despite efforts, did not gain much traction until this year.
Brown and Karr worked together initially to develop the initiative’s organizational structure. They announced the effort’s launch in September, inviting each athletic team to elect one to two players from their respective teams to sit on the council.
The representatives currently include: Blake Biondi, Dayvia Gbor, Karon Abdullah, CK Kaba, Bennett Nelson, Lucas Selman, Hayden Brown, Avery Eckman, Taytum Rhoades, Helen Chen, Elle Potts, Baamlak Haugen, Choley Evans, Analise Levesque, Victoria Thorson, Abby Johnson, Clara Van Wieren, Isaiah Watts and Nate Elmes.
Director Karr emphasizes that the goal is to continue to expand student involvement. “The council is still growing and students with interest are encouraged to participate,” Karr said.
Even as the council is in its early stages of development, Brown sees a bright future for its legacy. “I feel that the representation that we can provide for student-athletes is something that will continue to develop and grow, and maybe even expand to other campuses over time.”
Students should be on the lookout for upcoming events as the council has big plans for the next couple months. “In the near future we are going to be doing some volunteering in the community, we will be hosting a movie night on campus, and we are also working on a clothing drive,” Brown said.