2023 NCAA Diversity & Inclusion Week – Day 3: “A Shared Responsibility”

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The sixth annual 2023 NCAA Diversity & Inclusion Week started on Tuesday, Oct. 17 as NCAA member institutions from across the country from all divisions participate in different ways to celebrate on social media.

On day three, the theme is "A Shared Responsibility" - Sharing institutional and individual responsibilities and action steps for fostering belonging and inclusive excellence.

It is focused on taking the content of the past two days and identifying how that information can be applied in real-time. The advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion must go beyond simply creating conversations. Recognizing personal and institutional responsibilities, as well as creating action steps, are essential to the growth of inclusive athletic communities.

For the day three, the athletic department participated on a Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) workshop focused on understanding privilege to enhance inclusion. This workshop was facilitated by D'Andre Braddix, Ed.D. who is the Executive Director of DEI at St. Louis Community College.

"In celebration of NCAA Diversity and Inclusion Week and with funds from the NCAA/SLIAC our athletic department was privileged to bring Dr. Braddix to our campus," stated Director of Athletics Danielle Doerfler. "During this DEI workshop, we were able to challenge and educate our knowledge on bias, microaggressions and privilege. Listening to Dr. Braddix allowed us to break down barriers that prevent our inclusion efforts, while providing ideas to continue to make the best experience for Fontbonne student-athletes and staff."

"We thank Dr. Braddix and Fontbonne University's President Dr. Nancy Blattner for allowing and supporting this professional development," concluded Doerfler. 

"It was an amazing opportunity to continue to strengthen our knowledge, support and empowerment surrounding DEI to ultimately provide the best environment for our student-athletes," shared Director of Athletic Communications Bruna Pacheco.

"I really appreciated all of the information that was provided throughout the presentation," commented Dance Coach Laura Martin. "I thought the most interesting part was the privilege walk. It really opened my eyes to struggles others have had to face!"

The Fontbonne University Athletic Department is proud to take part in this annual initiative that encourages open dialogue surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion.