commentary from Indiana athletic director Fred Glass

(photo: Indiana university) Indiana college vp and athletic director Fred Glass just issued right here statement: FOR immediate RELEASEJune 1, 2020 The Indiana institution branch of Intercollegiate Athletics stands with our students in our collective devastation and outrage over the mindless and inexcusable killing of George Floyd. Ever for the reason that I first saw the video of George Floyd’s murder, my coronary heart has been hurting in a means i can’t remember it ever hurting, besides the fact that this is only the latest of too many examples of the awful consequence of racism so endemic in our society. still, i do know my pain is simply a shadow of that being experienced by using individuals of color because as a white adult, i can never really take into account the depth of their pain. This changed into underscored to me via a remark considered one of our feminine African-American students shared with me final night: “Mr. Glass, this is very own as a result of someone died as a result of he gave the impression of me.” Our college students are hurting. All of them. they are our family, and we like them. we are prou d to be a branch that has all the time put the holistic care and help of our college students first which is the entire extra essential in tough times. we are able to’t let ourselves be content to send the Floyd family unit our “recommendations and prayers” and then lapse into relocating on to different things, or we should be condemning ourselves to carrying on with to endure these styles of atrocities, and George Floyd’s demise will were in useless. whereas well-nigh any action looks insufficient given the overwhelming problem that racism poses to absolutely everyone, that can’t deter us into state of no activity. We should be the change we need to see on this planet. As a beginning, final nighttime, Athletic Director-Designate Scott Dolson, Senior affiliate Athletic Director and Senior girl Administrator Mattie White, and that i had a Zoom meeting with the Athletic Director’s Council on diversity and Inclusivity which I founded in 2016. The sharing by using these students was very effective and beneficial and will continue to notify us as we stream forward. The Council and i will co-host this week a Zoom assembly conversation for all fascinated student-athletes about their experiences and perspectives on George Floyd’s loss of life, what it ability to them, and the way we should movement ahead as individuals and as part of IU Athletics. we will also host this week an identical conversation for our head coaches as well as one for all fascinated IU Athletics staff. The IU Athletics workplace of Counseling and recreation Psychology may be accomplishing out to all of our coaches and college students to make attainable mental health services tailo r-made to handle the trauma we be aware of is being generated through George Floyd’s death and its aftermath. We additionally proceed to stand able to assist our students discover and categorical their voice on these and different important public matters. We appreciate and aid the appropriate of our college students to interact in free speech and peaceful protests. Indiana university’s position on here is clear. The Indiana school student Code of behavior guarantees all IU students the right, amongst other issues, to specific concepts and opinions on any area without university interference or concern of college disciplinary action as neatly as the correct to engage in peaceful and orderly protests and demonstrations. There are not any convenient or fundamental the right way to combat racism or comfy racial justice and equality, however that can’t be a purpose now not to are trying. i am assured that with the aid of sharing with each and every different and working together we can make a meaningful difference in IU Athletics and beyond.