TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Better together. In a period of social unrest, that simple phrase has become a center point for Indiana State Athletics and its student-athletes who understand the importance of unity, now more than ever.
 
Spearheaded by Brooke Porter with the support of Director of Athletics, Sherard Clinkscales, Sycamore Athletics has put together an initiative to promote and educate on the topic of diversity and inclusion.
 
"Brooke came to Angie [Lansing] and I a little over two months ago at the peak of all of this social injustice that was going on and thought in her heart that we had to do something to educate and to give our student-athletes a form to express themselves," Clinkscales said. "Her initiative was what got this thing going."
 
With concerns regarding social justice and racism a focal point in society, Porter has spent her time planning sustainable programming for the upcoming year.
 
"It's important to me to implement sustainable programming that will create a lasting change in our student-athletes' experience as they represent their teams on the playing field and in society for years to come," Porter said.
 
This programming also plays a crucial role in the continuing education of student-athletes at Indiana State, who come from all different backgrounds and experiences.
 
"We are a public institution and we are here to educate," Clinkscales explained. "Part of education is expressing yourself and understanding why you believe in what you believe in and being able to substantiate that. That's what we're here for, and to be able to give an outlet and a forum for them to be able to do that, as well as educate them on things that they may not be familiar with, is important because we all come from different backgrounds and experiences."
 
After the murder of George Floyd in May and the social unrest that followed around the country, Sycamore football began having weekly discussions on a number of topics such as Juneteenth, mass incarceration, the civil rights movement and Black Lives Matter. That was only the beginning of the informational sessions, as conversations are still continuing within the program.
 
On Aug. 2, the conversations became action as the football student-athletes planned a peaceful "March for Justice" that took place in the community.
 
"This demonstration allowed community members, law enforcement, student-athletes and staff from all Sycamore programs to come out in support of the changes that we must see happen in the future," Porter said.
 
In addition to the football team, these conversations will continue to take place throughout the academic year with all athletic teams. Dr. Adeyemi Doss, an instructor in the sociology department, will host the first event on Aug. 10 with men's and women's basketball, soccer and volleyball.
 
"Our International Collaboration Events will create a space for Sycamore student-athletes to gain knowledge and perspective that they otherwise would not have had the opportunity to endure," Porter added. "We hope to create more informational sessions with all teams."
 
Porter will help host the conversations with guests from around the campus community such as Reverend Terry Clark, an instructor in the African American Studies department on campus, and Sherard Clinkscales.
 
Another initiative that will be implemented this academic year is programming designed to inform and bring to light the importance of voting. Student-athletes will participate in the "My Voice, My Vote" campaign, which is sponsored by the Americans for Democracy Project at Indiana State, as well as be involved in events such as the registration drive, ISUnity Walk and the "I Vote Because" campaign.
 
"We are working with constituents on campus and will be involved in events that are aimed to increase voter registration and awareness on the topics that are discussed among Presidential candidates," Porter said.
 
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, which is comprised of two representatives from each team, will also take on a leadership role of continuing the conversation around racial injustice. The SAAC Executive Board will feature a dedicated Community and Civil Engagement Officer who will be responsible for leading the charge in implementing programming and initiatives in order to enhance the mission and change the culture of the student-athlete population.
 
"Student-Athlete Advisory Committee leaders will be on the front lines of communicating these messages and making sure that the conversations continue," Porter explained.
 
In the classroom, each Sycamore student-athlete takes a three-credit course, UC 110, called "How to be a Successful Student-Athlete." This course, instructed by the Student-Athlete Support Services Staff, is vital in creating a firm foundation that sets student-athletes up for success during their time at Indiana State. Part of this course will include specific programming so that all student-athletes hear these messages in their first semester on campus. The programming and messages will cover topics such as microaggressions, stereotypes, and other vital components of a students' personal development.
 
"Our number one priority is creating a holistic experience for our Sycamores and by implementing these diversity and inclusion initiatives, we are creating a space for our student-athletes to grow and develop in aspects of their life aside from their sport. It is an honor to lead the charge on this initiative and I look forward to engaging with this programming for years to come," Porter said.