Loyola University Chicago Athletics

The Loyola University Chicago Department of Athletics is steadfastly committed to the Jesuit ideal of social justice through policies and practices based on inclusion and equity. Loyola Athletics promotes total acceptance and will not tolerate any forms of racism. Together, we are united in our effort to provide an environment where individuals feel safe, respected and valued regardless of, but not limited to, their race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender orientation, religious beliefs or age.

With a focus on the Jesuit value of cura personalis, and working collaboratively with the University and Chicagoland communities, Loyola Athletics is committed to:

• Partnerships – Through cultivation and creation of working relationships with on-campus entities, Black-owned businesses and community engagement
• Action – Enhance strategic recruitment and develop and organize events surrounding voter registration, Election Day and Black History Month, among others
• Communication – By promoting and amplifying the initiatives and work in the department through internal and external channels
• Knowledge – Educate coaches, staff and student-athletes by creating programs and workshops to provide a continued culture of personal growth and development as well as anti-bias training

The Rambler Alliance for Equity leadership team meets weekly to discuss programming, upcoming events, and relevent topics surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. The leadership team consists of:

• Alex Austin, Athletics Coordinator
• Cory Barnes, Director of Loyola's Center for Black Student Excellence
• Jordan Collins, Mental Health Counselor
• Brian Day, Senior Associate Athletic Director
• Joellen Hatchett, Academic Advisor
• Dr. Tom Hitcho, Senior Associate Athletic Director
• Kieran Murphy, Assistant Director of Marketing & Special Events
• Lauren Schwer, Director of Ignatian Spirtuality in Loyola's Mission Integration Office
• Kenneth Stratton, Mental Health Counselor
• Steve Watson, Athletic Director
• Seth Weidmann, Loyola Athletic Fund Director

PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS

The department is committed to continued education and conversation around the topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Below are a few examples or recent programs and workshops:

• In the spring of 2023, a new Loyola Athletics tradition began with every Loyola student-athlete, coach, and staff member participating in a shared experential learning trip designed to expose individuals to new perspectives and take advantage of the cultural resources in the Chicago area:
  • 2023 - Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. The center is designed to honor the memories of those lost and to teach universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice, and indifference. Click here to learn more about the trip.
  • 2024 - DuSable Black History Museum & Education Center. The center is dedicated to the student and conservation of African-American history, culture, and art with an emphasis on Chicago.
  • 2025 - Chicago History Museum. Ramblers explored exhibits such as Designing for Change: Chicago Protest Art and Injustice: The Trial for the Murder of Emmett Till.
  • 2026 - Chicago Foodways Tour. Guided tours of authentic restaurants in the Uptown neighborhood, while learning about the immigrant populations who started these businesses.
• Each summer, Loyola coaches and staff participate in an Inclusive Leadership Series, a three-part internal conversation designed to share perspectives, build community, and foster a department dedicated to growth in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• In the summer of 2020, the department engaged with Jen Fry, a social justice educator who specializes in work with college athletics. Jen guided staff, coaches, and student-athletes through a workshop on race and identity.

VOTER REGISTRATION

Student-athletes have led voter registration and education drives leading up to local and national elections.

• The Alliance compiled a list of resources and voter information for student-athletes and staff to access: Loyola Votes
• The department achieved 100% voter registration among eligible student-athletes, coaches, and staff before the 2020 and 2024 elections.
• Ballot parties through the non-partisan organization Ballot Ready were organized in late October for education on what will appear on the ballot in each state represented by the department.

RAE MESSAGES

The department displays its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through a number of communications and initiatives throughout the year.

• Each year since 2020, student-athletes and staff receive an "Onward as One" t-shirt at the beginning of the academic year to represent unity as a department in the fight for social justice. Each year the shirt represents a new theme for the department.
• Sports have hosted Onward as One games since 2020. Athletes and game day staff wear the "Onward as One" shirts, video messages were included in the broadcasts, and athletics has engaged the campus community around the theme.
• Feature article highlighting the genesis and the initial work of the Rambler Alliance for Equity was posted to LoyolaRamblers.com READ MORE

• Loyola University Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Loyola University Anti-Racism Initiative
• Chicago Black-Owned Businesses