Conference USA

Mission Statement
Conference USA and its member institutions are committed to embracing and cultivating diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.  

We believe, that through a consistent effort to provide resources, education, dialogue, and awareness, not only will we touch the lives of many student-athletes, but we’ll also create an environment that is more accepting and serves to provide equitable opportunities and benefits for all.  

We realize that the thousands of students, faculty, and staff members that make up our conference represent many different walks of life, beliefs, and backgrounds. This means that we must make an effort to reach out, listen to each other, and ultimately work together to be part of the solution that addresses racism, prejudice, injustice and discrimination throughout our nation.  

We know that there are truly no limits on us or what we can accomplish when we set our differences aside and realize just how much stronger we are together. 

DEI Definitions
Diversity: The presence of different and multiple characteristics that make up individual and collective identities, including race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin, socioeconomic status, language, and physical ability. 

Equity: The process of identifying and removing the barriers that create disparities in the access to resources and means, and the achievement of fair treatment and equal opportunities to thrive. 

Inclusion: Creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to participate fully. 

Belonging: A sense of being secure, recognized, affirmed, and accepted equally such that full participation is possible. 

Bias: An inclination or preference, especially one that interferes with impartial judgment. A form of prejudice that results from the universal tendency and need of individuals to classify others into categories. 

Implicit/Unconscious Bias: The unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect a person's understanding, actions, or decisions as they relate to people from different groups. 

Microaggression: Commonplace daily verbal, behavioral or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, which communicate hostile, derogatory slights toward culturally marginalized groups. 

Intersectionality: The intertwining of social identities such as gender, race, ethnicity, social class, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity, which result in unique experiences, opportunities, barriers or social inequality. 

For additional DEI key terms and their definitions, click here.

Campus

DEIB News Resources  
 

DEI Legislation Tracker  The Chronicle of Higher Education  AP News  Inside Higher Ed  EdSurge  Forbes  DEIB Learning Resources  LinkedIn Curated DEI Learning Paths LinkedIn Learning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Courses Campus Resources  Florida International University   Department of Access, Compliance, and Equal Opportunity  Registered Student Organizations Directory   ADID contact: Kevin Kendrick (kkendric@fiu.edu)  Jacksonville State University  Office of Diversity and Inclusion  Registered Student Organizations Directory  ADID contact: Tracy Broom (tbroom@jsu.edu)   Liberty University  Office of Equity and Inclusion Registered Student Organizations Directory ADID contact: Mickey Guridy (maguridy@liberty.edu)  Louisiana Tech University  Bulldog Cultural Center   Registered Student Organizations Directory   ADID contact: Shyandrea Glass (sglass@latech.edu)   Middle Tennessee State University  Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs  Registered Student Organizations Directory    ADID contact: Diane Turnham (Diane.Turnham@mtsu.edu)  New Mexico State University  Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Registered Student Organizations Directory ADID contact: James Hall (jdhall@nmsu.edu)  Sam Houston State University  Office of Community and Civic Responsibility  Registered Student Organizations Directory ADID contact: Jeanine Bias-Nelson (jrb023@shsu.edu)  University of Texas El Paso  Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs   Registered Student Organizations Directory   ADID contact: Amanda (Mandy) J. Pulido (Ajpulido2@utep.edu)   Western Kentucky University  ONE WKU    Registered Student Organizations Directory ADID contact: Imari Hazelwood (imari.hazelwood@wku.edu)    NCAA NCAA DEI Resources  NCAA Inclusion Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee FAQs DEI Review and Attestation Resources  NCAA DEI Review FAQs  University DEI Review Framework  Title IX Resources  NCAA Gender Equity and Title IX   NCAA Emerging Sports for Women NCAA Core Area Resources  Disability   International Student-Athletes    LGBTQ+   Race and Ethnicity Women   Conference Please direct all Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging inquiries to inclusion@conferenceusa.com   Austin Dismond, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Coordinator/Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee   Conference Demographics Conference USA DEI Review  The NCAA is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture in college athletics and to supporting DEI efforts of member schools, conferences, and the national office. Building on the intent of the NCAA’s Presidential Pledge and Commitment to Promoting Diversity and Gender Equity in Intercollegiate Athletics, Division I adopted legislation that requires both schools and conferences to attest to completing a self-directed DEI review once every four years.  Conference DEI Review Framework