Hello UC Davis Athletics Community,
 
Earlier in the year we provided two updates (June 1, June 11) about our increased work related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. During these updates we explained that we would provide regular communication to our community about our progress and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in athletics. Below are some updates about recent progress on this important organization priority. 
 
Organizational Infrastructure
To ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion continues to build as a top organizational priority, we've promoted Dwight Smith to the senior staff role of Executive Director, Athletics Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. On a full time basis, Dwight will continue to lead our DEI efforts and coordinate with resources from the larger diversity, equity, and inclusion infrastructure on campus. 
 
Additionally, we've restructured our DEI Advisory Committee at UC Davis Athletics. The committee is convening on a monthly basis and is newly chaired by Nicole Miller, our Associate Head Coach for Women's Volleyball. 
 
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resource Hub
Today, we are publishing a webpage that contains important information and resources about diversity, equity, and inclusion. You can view this webpage at this link. 

The DEI resource hub is a live webpage which aggregates the important materials that we're using for learning and advocacy so they can be viewed by all members of our community. 
 
Learning Culture
In recent weeks we've engaged in a number of activities to continue building our culture of learning. Dwight is hosting a series of "lunch and learn" sessions for all staff and coaches that cover a number of topics. The first session focused on student-athlete activism and the shifting landscape of college athletics. The second session featured a discussion about microaggressions and featured Dr Kupiri Ackerman-Barger, a guest expert from UC Davis Health. Lunch and learn sessions will continue with the next session featuring Dr. Scott Carrell (Faculty Athletics Representative) discussing his research in economics about structural inequality in education. 
 
We have also scheduled training for all student-athletes, coaches, and staff members from athletics diversity and inclusion consultant Jen Fry. These mandatory training sessions will occur on September 28 and 29.

External Partnerships
The Big West Conference started a committee to work on conference-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. UC Davis is represented on this committee by Dwight Smith and track and field student-athlete Flo Oliveira. Flo is also the current president of the Coalition of African Diaspora Student-Athletes (CADSA) at UC Davis, and has been involved (along with track and field alum Mikaela Adolphus) in discussions with Senator Cory Booker on possible legislative changes related to college athletics.

We've also engaged with numerous alumni who have been eager to support the growth and sustainability of our DEI and anti-racism efforts. Alumni have been interested in making financial contributions, connecting underrepresented student-athletes with career opportunities, and serving as role models. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you are interested in helping as well. 

We remain sharply focused on our efforts to be anti-racist and grow our capabilities related to diversity, equity, and inclusion at UC Davis Athletics. We will continue to keep you updated as we make further progress. Thanks again for your ongoing support, and Go Ags. 

Best,


- Kevin Blue