U-M Student-Athletes, Leaders on B1G Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- On June 15, the Big Ten Conference launched an Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition that includes student-athletes, coaches, athletic directors, chancellors, presidents and other members of the Big Ten family from the league's 14 member institutions. The University of Michigan has 16 representatives.

"The events in our country and around the world during the past few months have strengthened my fundamental belief in our need to develop tangible and actionable efforts in a collective manner and provide viable solutions addressing the issues of hate and racism in our society," said Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren. "We have the distinct opportunity and responsibility through our Coalition to continually encourage, educate and empower our student-athletes as we embrace transparent and much-needed dialogue regarding meaningful issues that have impacted race relations for many years."

The Coalition was first announced in an open letter from Warren on June 1, 2020 following the death of George Floyd. The goal of the Coalition is to seek tangible ways to actively and constructively combat racism and hate around the world while also empowering student-athletes to express their rights to free speech and peaceful protest.

The Coalition will leverage, support and complement the efforts already taking place across the Big Ten through campus initiatives, as well as through existing conference-wide organizations like the Big Ten Advisory Commission. Established in 1972 in the midst of a period of significant social unrest in our nation, the Advisory Commission will have direct representation on the Coalition.

Michigan's 16 representatives on the Big Ten Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition:

Dr. Mark Schlissel
President

"The Big Ten Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition provides an important and powerful platform to create needed change in our society. Together with our thousands of student-athletes, coaches and staff, we have the opportunity to reach millions of supporters and lead the way in advancing justice, peace and equality."

Warde Manuel
Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics

"Being a member of the Big Ten Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition is critically important to me as an educator, husband and father. Together with many great people from around the conference, I hope to listen, to learn, to help educate, to empathize, and shine the light of humanity beyond the field of play."

Kim Barnes Arico
Head Coach, Women's Basketball

"I am honored to represent the University of Michigan on the Big Ten Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition. We have a chance to be part of change, empower our student-athletes and positively impact our society. To do that, we have to keep having these conversations and continue to educate each other. I am looking forward to what this coalition can accomplish."

Chaka Daley
Head Coach, Men's Soccer

"It is an honor and privilege to represent our university, our program and my family name in this great initiative. The University of Michigan and the Big Ten Conference are taking brave steps, and I'm proud to do my small part as we move forward."

Abigail Eiler
Assistant AD and Director of Athletic Counseling

"My anti-hate and anti-racist framework was intentionally created by the seven generations that came before me -- and my unwavering commitment to addressing deeply engrained injustices in our present-day society will have an impact on the seven generations that follow. My traditional beliefs propose that our daily actions and decision-making influence and impact those who follow in our footsteps. Through my formal social work education, daily consultation with students, friends, family and colleagues, and personal experiences with racism and discrimination, I have thoughtfully created safe spaces for BIPOC (Black, indigenous and people of color) and allies to process their thoughts, feelings and actions for 15 years as a clinical social worker and educator. I come from a long line of healing helpers; my family has dedicated their personal and professional efforts towards combating and addressing inequalities. My promise to the Big Ten Conference's Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition is to create a dedicated space and opportunity to collectively bring students, staff and faculty together with the plan to: (1) examine our institution's needs; (2) improve racial and social justice issues on our campus and throughout the conference; and (3) dismantle (oppressive and racist) systems that have existed in our country for over 400 traumatic years. I look forward to sharing my experience and knowledge as we collectively promote and implement change. Pii Maamwinokiyaang, Miidash Nibwaakaayaang (When We Work Together, Then We Are Wise)."

Jim Harbaugh
Head Coach, Football

"Now is the time for each of us to look inside ourselves and listen to others. In order to create change in our country, we must take action. I stand united with every individual on the Big Ten's coalition; there is no place in our society for hate or racism. We will work together to create positive changes in our communities, on our campuses, and in the Big Ten region. I am proud that the Big Ten is taking this step under the leadership of Commissioner Warren, and I am honored to serve as part of this coalition to advance these critical discussions during an important time in our country."

Elizabeth Heinrich
Executive Senior Associate AD and Chief Student Development and Compliance Officer

"I am looking forward to working with this exceptional group from across the Big Ten to identify ways we can take meaningful actions to address issues of systemic racism and social injustice. If we are going to live up to our commitment to help prepare student-athletes for life after sports, it's incumbent upon us to do everything we can to address the hate and racism which serves as an impediment for too many people in reaching their full potential for greatness."

James Henry
Head Coach, Men's and Women's Track & Field

"I'm grateful to be a part of this coalition along with the other outstanding representatives from our track and field program, our university, institutions around the conference, and other key stakeholders. With such a diverse group of people assembled into this coalition, we are able to bring a wide range of experiences to the table to help us not just talk about the progress that can be made, but to actually make it."

Naz Hillmon
Student-Athlete, Women's Basketball, Junior

"It is an honor to be a part of change. I'm proud that the Big Ten is doing more than sending out statements, which can be seen as very performative. I have always known that being a student-athlete allows me to have a platform that I otherwise would not have, allowing me to reach out to quite a large audience. I know that there are many young kids looking to me as an example, and if I can be more than an example on the court, that is something that I am very interested in. I think that little girls who look like me need positive examples of how to expand yourself beyond school and basketball by making a positive impact, and maybe they will follow the lead once they get to my age or even earlier. I also think that this is a great opportunity to learn from the others in the coalition. A theme that I have heard recently is people feeling uneducated about a lot of the issues regarding race and voter suppression, so I am excited to learn while also taking what I have learned and investing it into my community. I see a change coming that will start with student-athletes and coaches, and I am very proud to say that I will be a part of that change."

Juwan Howard
Head Coach, Men's Basketball

"When I was asked to join the coalition, there wasn't a hesitation on my part! There is no place for hate or racism on any level -- period. The work we hope to do is so important for now and our future. We need to focus, unite, speak out and grow to find ways to create understanding and peace to help us all move forward -- TOGETHER!"

Kenneth Miles
Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director

"I believe as an educator we have a moral and social responsibility to teach and educate our student-athletes. Being part of the Coalition allows for that to happen in an instructional and intentional manner. In essence, I want to be a part of the Coalition because it is the vessel by which we will analyze data and deconstruct systems and cycles of oppression for the greater good. It is truly an organic fit for me."

Briana Nelson
Student-Athlete, Women's Track & Field, Fifth-Year Senior

"This collective effort means everything to me. Knowing that it's not just student-athletes or it's not just my peers or my non-Black allies, it's a collective effort within the University and beyond to the Big Ten, is huge. Seeing that there are staff members involved is important, because this isn't just something that athletes experience. This is something Black support staff members and Black coaches are experiencing as well. Knowing that there are staff members supporting this means a lot because I would hope to have that same support one day when I'm working for a team. Seeing this become a movement and seeing this become something that is important to staff members and administration means a lot to me, knowing that actively combating racial injustice is becoming a priority and not just something that we're hoping for and wishing for."

Hunter Reynolds
Student-Athlete, Football, Senior

"I felt honored and answered yes immediately when I was told that my name was nominated for the Big Ten's coalition. I am proud to be a member of a group that can and will bring about positive change to this country. Working with other members of our conference will allow for many fresh perspectives to be shared, which will allow for many great ideas to come from this coalition. It is a blessing to be part of a conference that is willing to take the initiative and lead change in the community. I look forward to bringing my perspective and experiences to the table and giving valuable input to the coalition."

Mark Rosen
Head Coach, Volleyball

"I'm honored to serve on the B1G Anti-Hate, Anti-Racism Coalition. I believe this is a very important issue that requires our greatest attention and action. I'm looking forward to learning from others and engaging in the fight against hatred and bigotry that is all too present in today's society."

Adam Shibley
Student-Athlete, Football, Senior

"Angela Davis once said: 'In a racist society it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.' It is time we rise up as a country and hold one another accountable. For far too long, oppressors have gotten away with treating others in an unjust, inhumane and demeaning way for reasons the oppressed cannot control. As Americans, we witness prejudice, stereotypes and racism daily, which is simply unacceptable. The formation of this coalition is a step towards a more understanding society, and I am honored to be part of it. It is my sincere belief that the conversations we enable and the actions we take will have real, positive effects on our campus and society. I am excited about the perspective I can bring to this group and will do my best to make valuable contributions."

Joyce Wilson-Eder
Advisory Commission; Former Student-Athlete, Women's Track and Field

"It is an honor to serve this historic coalition. As a member of the Big Ten Advisory Commission, our primary charge is to advise the conference administrators on the health, welfare, and quality of life of our African American student-athletes. I want to be here. The Big Ten Conference is displays leadership for social change of the Power Five conferences. This coalition shows our student-athletes and community, our commitment to them. I want our student-athletes to feel safe and protected during participation, and while they attend our conference schools."

• Members of Big Ten Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition Announced (6/15/2020)
• Big Ten Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition Members (PDF)

University of Michigan Athletics

U-M Student-Athletes, Leaders on B1G Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition

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