G R I Z Z L Y
A T H L E T I C S
S T U D E N T - A T H L E T E
H A N D B O O K
The Value of Diversity Diversity, the variety that occurs in every aspect of humanity, involving both visible and invisible characteristics. Diversity within Intercollegiate Athletics As one of the most culturally diverse units on the UM campus, Intercollegiate Athletics places great value on the backgrounds and perspectives of all of our student-athletes. Meeting and competing with and against individuals from different races and cultures can be an extremely enriching experience. You are urged to embrace these opportunities as part of your overall educational experience. Being critical of people who are different cuts you off from all kinds of perspectives and people that can enhance the quality of your life. Acts of discrimination or harassment will NOT be tolerated in Intercollegiate Athletics. Your responsibility to yourself lies in being true to yourself, in taking time to think through your reactions to other people. Your responsibility to others lies in treating people with tolerance and respect. Be a true leader and step forward to help free our campus of discrimination of all kinds! Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Diversity Statement The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics fully embraces the UM Diversity Plan and the following campus diversity statement: The University of Montana seeks to enhance diversity by recognizing and embracing the differences in age, ideas and perspectives, disabilities, creed, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, national origin, race, religious and spiritual beliefs, sex, sexual orientation, and the socioeconomic and geographic composition of its faculty, administrative professionals, staff, and students. In its effort to enhance diversity, the University of Montana recognizes that particular focused effort must be placed on including members of groups who have historically been subject to discrimination and are still underrepresented in the campus community. As one of the most culturally diverse units on the UM campus, Intercollegiate Athletics places great value on the backgrounds and perspectives of all of our student-athletes and employees. In its efforts to recruit, support, and promote diversity, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics: • Fosters an environment of respect for people of diverse backgrounds amongst its studentathletes and employees • Assures equitable opportunities for all student-athletes and employees while being proactive in recruiting minority student-athletes and employees • Enhances the understanding and sensitivity of IA members in working with various diverse groups within the department • Assures that student-athletes and employees are respected and have the opportunity to learn, work, and develop in an environment that is free from discrimination • Assures that the needs and issues affecting student-athletes from diverse backgrounds are addressed through University and departmental programming
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