Athletics Veritas is a weekly series aimed at helping higher education executives, faculty, and other stakeholders stay tuned in on trending national issues impacting college athletics, especially NCAA Division I. Athletics Veritas is created by senior DI athletic administrators around the nation.
Term-In-Ology: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Review
As equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives gain momentum across the country, it’s worth noting NCAA Division I constitutional provisions now specify that an active member institution shall complete an equity, diversity and inclusion review at least once every five years and provide written confirmation of review completion to the NCAA national office.
This requirement was adopted by the Division I Council in April 2019 and became effective August 1, 2019.
In supporting this Division I reporting requirement and as noted in the Presidential Pledge and Commitment to Promoting Diversity and Gender Equity in Intercollegiate Athletics, Division I institutions have committed to establishing initiatives for achieving ethnic and racial diversity, gender equity and inclusion. The pledge outlines a commitment to engage in regular diversity, inclusion and equity reviews to inform campus policy and diversity initiatives.
Divisions II and III already have a mechanism in place for equity, diversity and inclusion reviews once every five years through their respective NCAA-mandated self-study instruments. This legislative change holds Division I institutions to the same standard, but does so by way of an institution-driven and monitored process.
Each Division I member institution determines how to conduct the review and what follow-up actions might be needed. The only document shared with the national office is the written confirmation that the review has been completed once every five years.
Athletics Veritas is presented for information purposes only and should not be considered advice or counsel on NCAA compliance matters. For guidance on NCAA rules and processes, always consult your university’s athletics compliance office, conference office, and/or the NCAA.
