WCC’s Nevarez says she hopes to bring up diversity concerns that are especially pertinent to the growing numbers of Hispanic and Asian American athletes. Among other suggestions being considered is producing Spanish-language informational literature for high school student-athletes.
“The Latino student-athletes themselves are typically fluent in English. The literature should be accessible to their parents and others in their communities who don’t read and speak English,” Nevarez says.
Expected to present its recommendations in 2007, Westerhaus says the committee has the opportunity to build upon existing NCAA diversity programs. Currently, programs like the Men’s and Women’s Coaches Academies help minority coaches expand their professional networks and boost their exposure.
Westerhaus says the committee has the unique ability to send a powerful message that the push for diversity and inclusion has to come from the leadership of individual schools, she explains.
“It’s going to require that we increase our members’ awareness of the importance of diversity,” she says.
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