BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Western Kentucky University Athletics has created a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Council, the school announced Monday.

Comprised of more than 20 student-athlete, coach, staff, and campus representatives, the council held its first meeting Sept. 9 and has met bimonthly since.

“Sports has always had the unique ability of bringing together those from a wide variety of backgrounds for a common purpose, and WKU Athletics is no different,” Director of Athletics Todd Stewart said. “Being part of a team means respecting the experiences and perspectives of others. I am excited for the potential of this council to incorporate those experiences and perspectives to help shape our actionable goals with unity and understanding at the forefront.”

In a press release, WKU Athletics laid out the council's initial objectives to accomplish moving forward, such as:

• Creating opportunities for "difficult conversations" in sports programs and departments that bring awareness to concerns and experiences;
• Creating a "greater sense of togetherness," including increased interaction between sport programs, staff connection opportunities, and coaching staff alliances;
• Helping a voter registration initiative for the November election;
• Supplying educational resources to "increase understanding" and tools to stakeholders so each person is "empowered to play a role in creating an equitable and inclusive environment;"
• Recognizing the negative impacts of inequity in the athletic department's mental health resources;
• Identifying community service opportunities with more minority-owned business owners;
• Following the university's DEI plan and involving athletics departments and teams with the school's ONEWKU initiative; and
• Developing professional opportunities for minority students within the department, creating a larger network of candidates for future jobs.

“Being a part of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council isn’t just a title or another notch on my belt – being in this council to me means change is coming… and it is coming soon,” WKU Track & Field senior sprinter Dartez Hamlin said. “The fact that I will be a part of this change means everything to me. What we have going on is bigger than athletics and it is bigger than me.”

WKU Lady Topper Basketball assistant coach Jocelyn Brown called the council a "great opportunity." 

“I believe that the Diversity and Inclusion Council is a great opportunity for Western Kentucky University,” Brown said. “There is a lot going on across our country. The fact that the administration of WKU Athletics recognizes the need for us as a voice in our community to confront and address issues surrounding diversity, inclusion and other related matters is promising for the student-athletes, faculty and staff. I believe that this is a deliberate step made towards positive change starting right here at WKU.”