SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference Racial Equity and Justice Task Force has crafted a Diversity Statement to articulate the inclusive values of the league.
 
The Diversity Statement reads as follows:
 

The members of the Southern Conference stand opposed to all forms of racism, prejudice, intolerance, and injustice. We implore everyone to engage in conversation, listen to those who are experiencing discrimination and seek solutions to foster meaningful change.
 
Creating a rewarding, inclusive, and equitable experience for all student-athletes, coaches, and staff remains at the forefront of our efforts. We celebrate and support our diverse population as it exposes our membership to valuable thoughts, ideas, creativity, and compassion; enhances our student-athletes’ collegiate experience; and serves as a positive force in our communities.

 
The creation of the task force was announced in October 2020. Its purpose is to counsel the league by identifying concepts and developing actionable items that can be used by all conference member schools regarding improving racial equity and social justice.
 
Samford Director of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives for Athletics JeNorri Armstead serves as chair of the task force, which comprises four subcommittees: Education, Marketing, Promoting Diversity, and Support.

To learn more about the SoCon Racial Equity and Justice Task Force, click here. 
 

Southern Conference Racial Equity and Justice Task Force members
Name	Institution	Position/Title
Kathy Kroupa	The Citadel	SWA/Sr. Associate AD
Scott Carter	ETSU	Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Kay Lennon McGrew	ETSU	Assistant Legal Counsel
Calvin Claggett	ETSU	Director of External Operations and Equity & Inclusion
Jackie Carson	Furman	Head Women’s Basketball Coach
Brian Gerrity	Mercer	Sr. Associate AD, Executive Director Mercer Athletic Foundation
Kristin Rusboldt	UNCG	Assoc. AD/SA Services/Diversity & Intercultural Engagement
Tori Powell	UNCG	Women’s Basketball Student-Athlete
JeNorri Armstead (chair)	Samford	Director of Diversity and Intercultural Initiatives for Athletics
Denise Gregory	Samford	FAR/Asst. Provost for Diversity & Intercultural Initiatives
Ken Jones	Chattanooga	Associate AD, Compliance
Lamont Paris	Chattanooga	Men’s Basketball Coach
Jordan Ward	VMI	Football Student-Athlete
Stacey Miller	Western Carolina	SWA/Associate AD
Alex Gary	Western Carolina	Director of Athletics
Jameica Hill	Wofford	FAR/Professor, Chair of Chemistry Department
Nicholas Hunt	Southern Conference	Championships Assistant
Jasmine Washington	Southern Conference	Media Relations Assistant