The West Coast Conference, or WCC, said on Monday it has created and adopted the “Russell Rule,” a diversity hiring initiative.
The “Russell Rule” is named after WCC and NBA legend Bill Russell, who the WCC described as a life-long advocate for social justice. The rule requires each member institution to include a member of a traditionally underrepresented community in the pool of final candidates for every athletic director, senior administrator, head coach and full-time assistant coach position in the athletic department.
“The Russell Rule is the result of the groundbreaking work of the WCC Presidents’ Council and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee,” said WCC commissioner Gloria Nevarez, in a statement. “Bill Russell is the greatest basketball player and social justice advocate the nation has seen. He is a champion for change. It is our belief the WCC ‘Russell Rule’ will live up to his legacy. Our goal is that the diversity of our student-athletes is reflected in those that lead and mentor them ….”
