MEADVILLE, Pa. -- The Allegheny College Department of Athletics and Recreation introduced its recently formed Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Action Committee on Monday, October 12.

Beginning in June, this group has met weekly to discuss ongoing efforts to advance the department's commitment towards inclusive excellence among its student-athletes, coaches and administrators. The committee has coordinated with the Allegheny Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access & Social Justice (IDEAS) Center in implementing action items designed to enhance the department's culture as well as further improve upon the student-athlete experience. Through events and communication designed to educate and promote understanding of other people's experiences, the committee's goal is to help grow diversity and foster inclusion within the athletic department and the college community.

The committee has been active already, teaming up with the IDEAS Center to offer a Racial Healing Workshop to department staff. A multi-week, virtual course, the workshop was conducted this summer and served to educate and encourage open conversations surrounding prejudice and discrimination. Later this month, department staff will complete NCAA LGBTQ OneTeam training which identifies and addresses the importance of LGBTQ+ inclusion in college athletics and identifies strategies and best practices to ensure all individuals may participate in an athletics climate of respect and inclusion, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

"As a highly visible entity of a premier liberal arts institution, the Department of Athletics and Recreation at Allegheny College is committed to a diverse, inclusive and open environment," said Director of Athletics and Recreation Bill Ross. "We hold the belief that all persons, regardless of experiences, values, interests and cultural viewpoints, enrich our learning experience. This committee will support our department to promote and sustain a diverse and inclusive community."

In addition to Ross, the committee consists of eight full-time athletics staff members:
- Kate Costanzo, Head Coach, Women's Basketball; Senior Woman Administrator and Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee
- Ashley Hughes '08, Head Coach, Women's Lacrosse
- Vann Hunt, Assistant Coach, Football
- Justin Linzy, Head Coach, Men's and Women's Track & Field
- Valerie Lohr, Head Coach, Field Hockey
- Margaret Maclean, Assistant Coach, Field Hockey
- Rich Nagy, Head Coach, Football
- Bob Simmons, Head Coach, Men's Basketball