Athletics Report

California State University, Long Beach is committed to providing equal opportunities to CSULB students in all campus programs, including intercollegiate athletics. CSULB, in compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI and Title VII), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, does not discriminate in any of its policies, procedures or practices. This nondiscrimination policy covers all CSULB programs and activities, including employment. In addition to meeting fully its obligations of nondiscrimination under federal and state law, CSULB is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can live and work, in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, medical condition, age, political affiliation, Vietnam era veteran status, or any other veteran’s status. CSULB is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Athletics Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Committee

• Members of the D&I Committee attended the 2022 California Conference for Equality and Justice (CCEJ) Racial Justice Roots Convening hosted by Long Beach City College in May 2022. The California Conference for Equality and Justice has the mission of eliminating bias, bigotry and racism through education, conflict resolution and advocacy. Topics included: Examining the Intersections of Racial & Gender Justice, Restorative Accountability & Cancel Culture, Supporting Youth in Racial Justice Dialogues, and Breakout Racial Affinity Group sessions.
• The D&I Committee sent out reminders and encouraged programs to attend Cultural Heritage Month Celebrations as well as organized staff to attend the Cultural Welcomes at the beginning of the semester
• A member of the D&I Committee attended the Athlete Ally LGBTQI+ Inclusion 101 Training in September 2022 furthering the ways LBSU can welcome and include members of the LGBTQI+ community
• A member of the D&I Committee attended the Racelighting series in November 2022 hosted by Drs. J. Luke Wood and Frank Harris III, distinguished faculty at San Diego State University. The series was designed for educators, counselors, and administrators in preK-20 education who would like to learn more about how racelighting impacts Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) as students and educators
• Implemented department-wide "Social Identity-Wheel" training focused on intersectionality, allyship, and inclusion in the workspace. Training was led by Coach Mike Campbell and Student-Athlete Development Coordinator, Liana Marin in January of 2023
• Currently undergoing a 4-year NCAA DEIA framework review due August 2023 which includes: 
  • Launching a follow-up Staff and Student-Athlete DEIA Climate Survey
  • Reviewing demographics, outcomes and climate/experiences data
  • Reviewing athletics policies and practices for impact on DEI
  • Reviewing legal, institutional compliance, and other responsibilities
  • Reviewing hiring practices and student-athlete recruitment practices
  • Reviewing professional development efforts for individuals from historically marginalized populations in athletics

LBSU Student-Athlete Development

• The philosophy for SA Development is grounded in the idea that an individual’s possible self, an individual’s idea of who they may become in the future (Markus & Nurius, 1986), is influenced by personal and societal factors. Self-Discovery, Inclusion, and Service are the three foundational concepts that drive SA Development’s learning outcomes.
  • Revamped ATHL courses for first-year freshmen to establish outcomes centered around holistic development, academic and career readiness, and diversity and inclusion education
    • All first year student-athletes were required to attend a Cultural Heritage event and submit a reflective statement on the experience including what they learned about their own culture or the culture of others
    • First year student-athletes completed an asynchronous module on “The Danger of a Single Story” where they engaged in reflection around their intersecting identities and learned about stereotype threats
    • First year student-athletes participated in a mental health and suicide prevention module led by our Mental Health Case Manager and Sports Psychology Interns to understand the unique stressors and protective factors of being a Division I Intercollegiate Athlete
  • During the 2022 Election Season, SAs were provided with an Election Toolkit to provide options for civic engagement and political participation
  • During the Spring 2022 and 2023 semesters, Athletics collaborated with the Office of Equity and Diversity to host Title IX refresher trainings for all sports programs
  • During the 2023 semester, SAAC representatives are launching a promotional video for Mental Health awareness month that will include coaches and Athletics staff to eliminate the stigma around mental health and promote LBSU mental health service
  • After rebuilding the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the group’s priorities are:
    • ​​​​Developing an organizational structure that reflects more student engagement and collaboration with ASI
    • Establishing a leadership position centered on personal development and DEIA programming
    • Celebrating Cultural Heritage Months by hosting trivia nights for heritage months, recognizing sport role models from that cultural community; compiling resources that can be read, listened to, or watched; and identifying supportive campus/community organizations.
    • Continuing to participate in the NCAA Diversity and Inclusion Campaign.