Dear Team Ursinus,
I write with a message about the continued racial injustice that has spurred so much unrest in our country and what we, as an athletics community, will be doing to be better. I recognize that the Ursinus community is predominantly white and often privileged, and therefore, most of us can never fully understand how our black students, coaches, faculty, and staff have been impacted by these abhorrent injustices time and again. Those of us in the athletics department who have the honor of coaching and supporting you recognize there have been instances in which black student-athletes and other people of color have faced microaggressions and racial indignities. Reponses to these actions across the country have been met with little or inadequate intervention. I recognize that Ursinus needs to take tangible, effective steps to make our campus, and beyond, more inclusive and equal for everyone.
After much reflection and consultation with our coaches, I recognize that we must take action, albeit overdue. Silence and inaction by those with the power to speak up is unacceptable. We must speak up, we must step up, and we must always openly advocate when necessary. Doing so involves being uncomfortable at times, having difficult, but necessary, conversations, and recognizing our own shortcomings. While the past week has provided us time to witness the emotional toll racial injustice has inflicted on our friends, family, teammates, and our country as a whole, it's not enough just to feel sad, angry, depressed, or tired. We must allow our emotions to be the catalyst to creating real systemic change.
Ursinus College athletics will now take action. We will educate our staff and students about racial injustices by having uncomfortable conversations that will not only allow us to learn and grow as people, but also to help us problem-solve additional action we can take to make those who have been marginalized for so many years feel safe, supported, and heard. This will not be a fast and easy undertaking. It will require continuous reflection, introspection, and subsequent action.
As part of the plan, the following steps will serve as a starting point. As a group, we will:
- Read literature on racial injustice and examine our own identities
- Engage in actionable dialogue with campus partners regarding issues of equity
- Support those who wish to engage with various organizations committed to justice
We have a unique platform as an athletics community. As leaders, educators, and students, we have an opportunity to be united in our quest to create lasting change and invoke understanding. The Ursinus College athletics community is committed to doing just that. We will hold steadfast in our commitment to stand together in solidarity with those who are facing discrimination, especially the black community. The work begins.
Laura Moliken
Director of Athletics