Courtesy of Norfolk State Athletic Communications


NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State University Department of Athletics recently released a five-point diversity and inclusion plan aimed at creating an environment that educates, informs and welcomes individuals from varied backgrounds, beliefs, experiences and cultures.

"Diversity, inclusion and gender equity are core values of Norfolk State Athletics," Ivana Rich, associate athletics director for academic support/diversity and inclusion officer, said. "It is important that we foster an inclusive environment that celebrates the differences of each member of our Spartan family."

With that stated goal in mind, Norfolk State announced the following steps:

1. Enhancing departmental training and programming to include Title IX, cultural awareness and competency, and sensitivity training.
2. Establishment of the Spartans diversity and inclusion committee.
3. Establishment of formal and alternative compliance procedures for reporting misconduct, racism, and discrimination.
4. Promotion of community engagement initiatives and programming focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.
5. Implementation of a voter registration campaign and Election Day partnerships.

"Our primary goal is to implement opportunities that promote shared understanding and respect for race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, gender identity and socioeconomic background," Rich said.

Norfolk State has spearheaded several initiatives in recent months along those lines. In June, the school hosted a student-athlete social justice town hall Zoom meeting featuring coaches, administrators and Norfolk State Police Chief Vincent Moore. In July, the Spartans' Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) took a leading role in the 2020 Unity Walk in Norfolk, which included other area college and university student-athletes.

Norfolk State will also partner with the Campus Vote Project in the coming months to encourage voter registration and participation, including a mandatory day off for all student-athletes on Election Day.

The diversity and inclusion committee will continue to identify initiatives that promote educational and intercultural experiences throughout the year. More information on these and other initiatives will be included on the Norfolk State diversity and inclusion page.