Morgan Chall, Former Cornell Gymnast and Chair of Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
Last weekend, the Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) spent time during our Fall meeting filming members of the group as part of the NCAA Diversity & Inclusion week. One of Division I SAAC's priorities for the year is improved diversity and inclusion efforts within hiring practices in athletics administration. As part of our participation in this week's campaign, we highlight the ways in which the diversity within our group serves as a strength for the work of our committee, and ways in which we can continue to promote, support, and encourage diversity and inclusion within college athletics. There was a specific focus on the experiences of international, minority, and female student-athletes which brought a much-needed perspective to our discussions throughout the weekend.
When women hold leadership roles, they are often told they are "bossy" or "too emotional". It is not the expectation or norm that a woman might be the leader in the room. Diversity and inclusion is not only about changing statistics, but it is about changing behavior and expectation. I am proud to be the second woman in the last 15 years to hold this position as Chair of Division I SAAC, and proud to be one of the ~25% of women who serve on the Division I Board of Directors. I have already felt the meaningful effects of other women reaching out to me for advice related to breaking into the field of college athletics as a woman. I may be a part of helping change the statistic of women athletics leaders, but my life goal is to also be a part of setting the expectation that we are strong, trustful, and respectable leaders.
The Ivy League is proud to showcase its diversity and inclusivity during the 2019 #NCAAInclusion Social Media Campaign, which will run from Tuesday, Oct. 22-Friday, Oct. 25, with different themes each day. The Ivy League will share quotes from select student-athletes about what they are doing on and off the field to make their campus a healthy and welcoming environment for everyone.