Big 12 athletics unveils details for its anti-hate, anti-racism campaign
Big 12 athletics unveils details for its anti-hate, anti-racism campaign
The Big 12 is committed to fighting racial and social injustices and revealed plans in how it plans to go about it this upcoming school year.
From different programs to messages on jerseys and helmets to unity statements before games in all sports, the conference is all-in in trying to make changes during a time of racial reawakening in the country.
“Systemic racism is a very real issue in our country, and unfortunately it continues to affect the everyday lives of many Americans,” TCU chancellor and Big 12 board of directors chairman Victor Boschini said in a statement. “The Big 12 Conference is utilizing its platforms to keep this issue top-of-mind so we can collectively help put an end to racism.”
Added commissioner Bob Bowlsby: “If we are to eradicate racism, difficult conversations will play a part. We embrace the opportunity to use our platforms to facilitate the needed dialogue.”
Among those initiatives include:
▪ A public service announcement titled “You See Us Differently” in which student-athletes lent their voices for 30- and 60-second ads. An ad was released on social media Wednesday that featured TCU players Max Duggan, Trevon Moehrig, Kellton Hollins, Taye Barber, Garret Wallow and Andrew Coker.
The conference said more than 40 football players were used for the spots that will run throughout the fall and separate ads will be produced in the voices of women’s basketball, men’s basketball and Olympic sport athletes.
▪ Unity messages that each school will incorporate into its pregame show in all sports.
▪ Schools will have the option to include social justice messages on a game-jersey patch or helmet sticker, as well as warm-up shirts. The messages must be approved by Bowlsby. Bowlsby said earlier this week that he has approved every message that has come his way.
▪ The conference also formed a “chief diversity officers” committee with senior campus executives to enhance the experience of Black student-athletes. Additionally, a Black student-athlete council was formed with one male and one female student-athlete from each campus.
▪ Programs have been developed including a voter registration to ensure student-athletes have an opportunity to vote as well as an internship program centered on providing student-athletes of color with corporate opportunities.
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