REPORT OF THE

NCAA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

SUBCOMMITTEE ON GENDER AND DIVERSITY ISSUES

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS.

a. Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee (MOIC) update. The subcommittee received an update from the MOIC on the 2004 Racial and Gender Report Card and the Coaching and Gender Equity Project. MOIC specifically noted that Division I-A conference offices, head coaches, athletics directors, presidents and faculty athletics representatives received either an “F” or “D+” with regard to gender and racial diversity. It also noted that at almost every administrative level in all three divisions, people of color and women are losing ground or never gained ground. MOIC plans to identify high priority areas in order to develop solutions that will directly address the disparities for people of color and women in all three divisions. The subcommittee also received an update on the NCAA Coaching Academies, which noted the ongoing review of the MOIC strategic plan and indicated that the budget priorities for the 2006-07 and 2007-08 fiscal years are being finalized in conjunction with the Committee on Women’s Athletics (CWA). MOIC thanked the Executive Committee Subcommittee on Gender and Diversity Issues for supporting its recommendations regarding Native American imagery, names and mascots and praised the subcommittee for moving the recommendations forward to the NCAA Executive Committee. The staff provided an update on the Office for Diversity and Inclusion initiatives and discussed upcoming events at the NCAA 2006 Convention. The subcommittee received an update regarding current Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) legislation. Also, staff discussed the NCAA response regarding Hurricane Katrina and the continuing NCAA initiatives regarding relief efforts.

b. CWA Update. CWA reported the Women Coaches Academy has added another program in December to accommodate coaches not previously able to attend and to address the continued need for the retainment of women in coaching. Also, it applauds the efforts of each division to clarify the SWA designation and supports the creation of a significant educational campaign that promotes the SWA designation within each divisional governance structure and at each member institution. CWA will continue to comprehensively examine the use of male practice players by seeking input from other appropriate entities. Additionally, it is continuing its review of transgender student-athletes. While legal implications have not yet arisen, it believes the NCAA would be prudent to establish a policy about the eligibility of transgender student-athletes after a thorough consideration of the legal and medical implications. CWA reported that it voted to modify the Woman of the Year program to recognize conference winners instead of state winners, noting that additional input is required from the conference commissioners. Also, it requested a review of the inconsistent references to the Division I Men’s and Women’s Final Four

basketball tournaments. There are consistent gender references for all championships throughout each division with the exception of the Division I Men’s Final Four. Meanwhile, CWA said that it applauds forthcoming celebrations of the 25^th anniversary of women’s championships. The CWA also will continue working with the MOIC to determine new budget initiatives and allocations.

c. Native American Mascot Update. The subcommittee reviewed the NCAA’s four-year long consideration of Native American mascots, names and imagery, which resulted in the Executive Committee’s August 2005 decision. It also received an update regarding the institutions that requested a review of their particular situations. The subcommittee reaffirmed its August 2005 recommendation to the Executive Committee that the NCAA prevent institutions from using racial/ethnic/national origin references during NCAA championships. Further, the subcommittee recognizes the review process permits some institutions to maintain the use of Native American mascots, names and imagery. While recognizing tribal sovereignty within the Native American community, but while not recommending a change in the decisions to date, the subcommittee maintains the use of hostile or abusive racial/ethnic/national origin mascots, names or imagery should not be permitted during NCAA championships per the Executive Committee’s decision.

d. 2004 Racial and Gender Report Card and the Coaching and Gender Equity Project (CAGE). Previously reviewed by the CWA and MOIC, staff reviewed two studies noting the lack of women and ethnic minorities in coaching and athletics administration. These reports will assist both committees in the definition of future initiatives and strategic planning. Staff discussed the statistics and conclusions of the report card while pointing out that Division I-A conference offices, head coaches, athletics directors, presidents and faculty athletics representatives received either an “F” or “D+” with regard to gender and racial diversity. The CAGE report urges greater inclusion within athletics organizations for women, people of color and individuals with non-traditional sexual orientation, while also addressing sexual discrimination, work/life balance, the role of the SWA, and the challenges preventing the recruitment and retention of women in athletics careers. Multiple facets within the reports will be addressed by the office for diversity and inclusion. The subcommittee requested information about how current programs address the report’s findings and how progress will be measured, especially with regard to divisional differences. The subcommittee also encouraged the involvement of presidents and chancellors in dissemination of such report findings as well as the subsequent programming and diversity education.

e. Future agenda items. The chair requested the subcommittee members consider matters of diversity and inclusion to address at forthcoming meetings. Such issues may include but are not limited to: diversity throughout the collegiate experience; the development of minority athletes academically, culturally and civically; and coaches salaries.

f. NCAA Convention update. Staff reviewed several sessions planned for the 2006 Convention that address diversity and inclusion, including a reception sponsored by the President’s Cabinet.

g. SWA update. Staff provided an update about edits made to the definition of the SWA designation after consideration of the matter by their divisional committees. Education remains necessary for the membership in order to ensure the inclusion of females as SWAs in meaningful, decision-making positions. Already addressed at the recent NACWAA Fall Forum, the clarification also will be addressed at the 2006 Convention.

h. Life-Work Balance Summit. Staff provided an update about the project team currently examining the life-work balance culture within the collegiate athletics profession. Through research and the collection of best practices, efforts are underway to determine what policies and procedures may be useful for addressing issues of staff recruitment and retention in athletics. The issue will likewise be addressed at the 2006 Convention.

i. 2005 Woman of the Year update. Staff provided an update about the 15th annual Woman of the Year award dinner, scheduled for October 29 in Indianapolis. The winner will be announced, and 51 state winners will be recognized for their achievements in academics, athletics and service and leadership.

j. Invitation to President Bush. The subcommittee endorsed a letter from the CWA and MOIC to President Brand, noting their disappointment about the invitation extended to President Bush to speak at the 2006 Convention.

Committee Chair: Clinton Bristow, Alcorn State University.

Staff Liaisons: Charlotte Westerhaus, Diversity and Inclusion; Rosie Stallman, Education Services; Corey Jackson, Diversity and Inclusion; Dea Shipps, Enforcement Services; and Matthew Stach, Education Services.