John Jay Athletics

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John Jay Athletics Announces Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

New York, NY - The Athletics Department of John Jay College of Criminal Justice announces the creation of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee effective September 2020. This group is a coalition of student-athletes, athletics staff and coaches, as well as campus administrators. The goal of the committee is to work with the John Jay Athletics Department to provide a safe, equitable, and inclusive environment for all, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, spirituality, socioeconomic background, disability or any other defining characteristic; building an environment where students can continue on their path to become Fierce Advocates for Justice.

"As a Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution that draws students from the rich mosaic of New York City and beyond, John Jay is well-positioned to lead in issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion," President Karol Mason stated. "I am pleased Athletics is engaging leaders from across campus to improve the climate for our student-athletes through this new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee."

"I am looking forward to the excellent work the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee will do starting with the NCAA social media campaign," said Ellen Hartigan, Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. "Having a diverse group of people on the committee, especially our student-athletes, will create a powerful force that will do even more important work in the future."

"John Jay and John Jay Athletics bring people together from all over the world," Gabriela Leal, Interim Director of Compliance and Diversity / Title IX Coordinator / Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee said. "The College is committed to ensuring equal opportunity not only in the classroom, but in all of its educational programs and activities, including athletics. The work of the committee will take us a step closer toward that goal and strengthen our athletic community."

The John Jay Athletics Department believes in and is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity among its student-athletes, coaches, and administrators. In its charge, this committee will work to complement the college's ongoing work of creating and fostering a campus culture that promotes safety and respect. The work of the committee will identify and provide opportunities for intercultural experiences as well as strengthen awareness of diversity and inclusion matters among student-athletes and staff.

John Jay has provided generations of students, many from traditionally underrepresented groups, with a high-quality education that has enabled them to pursue meaningful careers and obtain advanced degrees. The College embraces its important role of serving historically underrepresented students, dreamers and immigrant students as they pursue higher education.

The committee will help publicize its work though the NCAA Diversity and Inclusion Social Media Campaign. This campaign will run from Tuesday, October 27 through Thursday, October 29, on Bloodhound social media (Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube).

"Diversity and Inclusion have been a major driver of excellence in athletics at all levels," said Interim Director of Athletics Mark Francis. "With entrance of persons from various backgrounds into athletics, performances are soaring reaching new levels. John Jay Athletics continues that tradition with the formulation of an advisory committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as we work together with the college to provide an inclusive and welcoming community."

"I am more than honored to be able to hold the title of SAAC President and be a part of such an impactful campaign," SAAC President and women's soccer student-athlete Nina Megna said. "John Jay College already has such a wide variety of diverse and unique students that constantly interact and influence each other on a daily basis. Especially through these hard times, this Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion campaign will help aid us in the struggle of bringing back our sense of community with one another even though we can't be physically together. I'm so happy to take part and watch us grow as one John Jay!"

"More than ever, student-athletes must embrace their leadership roles and be the stewards of diversity and inclusion on our nation's campuses," stated Dr. Gerard Bryant, Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR).

Discrimination of any kind or intolerance of any level has no place within the John Jay Athletics Department, whether on the field, in the classroom, in the locker room or in the stands.
 

John Jay College Diversity Facts
  • The College also has the largest Hispanic student population of any four-year college in the Northeast.
  • The student body is 44% Hispanic, 21% White, 20% African-American, and 12% Asian
  • 130+ nationalities represented in the student body
  • 50% of students grew up in households where a language other than English is spoken
  • Roughly one-third of students were born in another country and raised in New York City
  • 42% of students are the first in their family to attend college

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee
  • Joel-Anthony Alleyne - Men's Basketball Student-Athlete
  • Catherine Alves - Deputy Director of Athletics
  • Ajani Clunie - Coordinator of Media Relations & Operations / Interim Head Women's Soccer Coach
  • Brandon Fieland - Associate Athletics Director for Media Relations
  • Mark Francis - Interim Director of Athletics
  • Jessica Gorman - Women's Basketball Student-Athlete / SAAC Vice President
  • Gabriela Leal - Interim Director of Compliance and Diversity / Title IX Coordinator / Athletics Diversity and Inclusion Designee
  • Nina Megna - Women's Soccer Student-Athlete / SAAC President
  • Manuel Peralta - Men's Volleyball Student-Athlete
  • Deanna Sannuti - Assistant Athletics Director for Academic Success, Compliance, & Eligibility 

NCAA DEI Resources:
Achieving Excellence Through Diversity and Inclusion (PDF)
Office of Inclusion
Inclusion's Best Practices  (PDF)
NCAA Inclusion of Transgender Student-Athletes (PDF)
NCAA LGBTQ Resources Page
NCAA Title IX 
Presidential Pledge
Return on Inclusion

Courtesy of John Jay Sports Information