I have a responsibility to my student-athletes, coaches, and staff members to support them by initiating uncomfortable discussions about race and not being complicit in perpetuating injustice through silence. I will do that. While I will never fully understand what it’s like to be Black, I can continue listening and learning. I will do that too.
It’s painful. Thinking about the recent and continued incidents of racial injustice hurts my heart and fills me with grief. We must do better.
I stand in solidarity with the Black community against systemic racism, hatred, and injustice and extend my unwavering support to break down racial barriers and be part of the solution. We are in this together.
I know these events have triggered strong feelings for our African American student-athletes and staff. I feel deep emotions of anger, frustration, sadness, and disappointment for you. I know you are suffering.
As a department, it is up to each of us to strive to understand all members of our society. I need you to draw upon our collective resources – power, privilege, position, ability, knowledge, or experience – to advocate for and model change.
I am proud that so many of our students have chosen to actively participate in protests; that our coaches have voiced their support; that our Chancellor shared his personal experiences, fears, and emotions. Your voices must be heard.
With that in mind, I will commit to conducting additional wellness checks on our student-athletes and staff, implementing additional diversity and inclusion training for our coaches and staff, and enhancing the overall student-athlete experience. You know that I have an open-door policy and will welcome any additional suggestions.
I know we will become a stronger team because of our commitment to The Spartan Way. We will continue to discover and develop champions in life.
— Kim Record, Director of UNCG Athletics