GENEVA, N.Y.— The Hobart and William Smith Colleges Athletic Department's Sustained Dialogue Team for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion completed its first year of work and is constructing its development, initiatives and framework for the 2021-22 academic year.
 
Formed in August 2020, the Sustained Dialogue Team consists of 12 members of the coaching and support staffs. Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation Deb Steward formed the team last summer to ensure that the department's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is an integral and regular part of the education and development of student-athletes, coaches and staff. The Sustained Dialogue Team meets monthly and is co-chaired by William Smith Head Basketball Coach Lindsay Sharman and Hobart Head Basketball Coach Stefan Thompson '13. Both coaches also serve on the Colleges' Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
 
During the fall semester, members of the team and later the entire staff of the athletic departments attended training sessions with Lawrence Alexander, an expert in diversity, equity and inclusion practices. The team also compiled resources (books, articles, podcasts and videos) for coaches to use in furthering their education and that of their teams on important topics ranging from race, gender, LGBTQ+, socioeconomics and more.
 
During the spring semester, the Sustained Dialogue Team surveyed all HWS student-athletes to better understand the climate within teams, within athletics and across campus. More than 90% of Statesmen and Herons completed the survey. The Sustained Dialogue Team reviewed the composite results and made initial observations with the goal of formulating a thorough analysis of the data this summer. Student-athletes also met with Alexander in sessions titled, "One Team, Many Players," designed to facilitate student-athletes dialogue about ways they can improve their teams and the greater campus with respect to community diversity, equity and belonging.
 
This summer, HWS coaches and staff will continue their conversations and education using articles, podcasts and videos to generate discussion and ideas for building a more equitable and inclusive community.
 
In the fall, a group of self-nominated student-athletes will add their voices to the sustained dialogue, taking a leadership role in the athletic department's DEI efforts alongside the coaches and staff.