Spring Break
NCAA, Drexel try to tackle homophobia in sports
James Mason
Issue date: 11/9/07 Section: Sports
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The NCAA acknowledged room for improvement, while putting some of the onus on
its universities.
"I think the primary responsibility for individuals to have an inclusive environment; that falls on each institution," Westerhaus said. "What we can do is provide the education that we provide, to provide education about the issues, to provide examples of best practices, to fully support those universities that are doing their jobs, and by listening to our LBGT persons to figure out what are their needs and addressing those needs."
At Drexel, diversity education efforts in athletics are spearheaded by Associate Athletic Director Dr. Rebecca Gigli. Working closely with the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), and dealing face-to-face with several student athletes per day, Gigli has a pulse of what athletes are dealing with off the court. She said that she has not heard of any major problems in athletics surrounding LBGT issues.
"I have not heard anything directly," Gigli said. "If there were concerns, I feel like students would feel comfortable about talking about whatever issues they have."
Gigli said Drexel is one of the schools that use the "It Takes A Team!" DVD in its diversity training. In addition, the Foundation of Undergraduates for Sexual Equality (FUSE) has visited with SAAC to make sure that student athletes are aware of the resources they have on campus.
"My role is to educate students about resources available," Gigli said. "As an educator my goal is to create a culture of aware, educated people who can make educated choices about their life."
its universities.
"I think the primary responsibility for individuals to have an inclusive environment; that falls on each institution," Westerhaus said. "What we can do is provide the education that we provide, to provide education about the issues, to provide examples of best practices, to fully support those universities that are doing their jobs, and by listening to our LBGT persons to figure out what are their needs and addressing those needs."
At Drexel, diversity education efforts in athletics are spearheaded by Associate Athletic Director Dr. Rebecca Gigli. Working closely with the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), and dealing face-to-face with several student athletes per day, Gigli has a pulse of what athletes are dealing with off the court. She said that she has not heard of any major problems in athletics surrounding LBGT issues.
"I have not heard anything directly," Gigli said. "If there were concerns, I feel like students would feel comfortable about talking about whatever issues they have."
Gigli said Drexel is one of the schools that use the "It Takes A Team!" DVD in its diversity training. In addition, the Foundation of Undergraduates for Sexual Equality (FUSE) has visited with SAAC to make sure that student athletes are aware of the resources they have on campus.
"My role is to educate students about resources available," Gigli said. "As an educator my goal is to create a culture of aware, educated people who can make educated choices about their life."
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