Athletics and Recreation Statement on Ontario University Athletics Anti-Racism Report:

Queen's Athletics & Recreation (A&R) would like to thank the OUA, the University of Toronto's Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE) and their Indigeneity, Diaspora, Equity, and Anti-Racism in Sport (IDEAS) Research Lab for its work in compiling the OUA Anti-Racism Report.

The Report highlights the experiences and systemic barriers that exist for BIPOC student-athletes, coaches and administrators within sport and the OUA.  The research and the findings emphasize and reinforce the important work that we must do as sport leaders, an Athletics Department, and a League in order to positively impact and change issues of equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism. 

A&R welcomes this report as an opportunity to reflect and implement change to create a safer and more welcoming community. We look forward to our A&R EDII Task Force, and all members of our Department, utilizing the OUA Anti-Racism Report as an informative and helpful resource to assist the Task Force in determining priorities and key action steps for the department going forward.

OUA Release:

Ontario University Athletics (OUA), in conjunction with the University of Toronto's Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE) and the Indigeneity, Diaspora, Equity, and Anti-Racism in Sport (IDEAS) Research Lab, releases the complete OUA Anti-Racism Project report.

The complete OUA Anti-Racism Project report can be accessed on the OUA website, here.

The project, which was largely inspired by the experiences and recommendations of the of the Black, Biracial, and Indigenous (BBI) Task Force of the OUA, was embarked upon to create and disseminate knowledge about the demographics and experiences of student-athletes, coaches, and sport administrators across the conference.

Said Dr. Janelle Joseph, Founder and Director of the IDEAS Lab, "This project was unique as it's the only research I have done that examined a singular institution – a provincial athletic conference – from the perspectives of a wide range of stakeholders, including administrators, coaches, and student-athletes. This allowed us to get a good understanding of the relationship between individual experiences and systemic barriers, especially across such a large and diverse province."

Among those who provided their insights via the questionnaire designed by Joseph and her team were 4,058 student-athletes, 716 coaches, and 227 sport administrators, which equated to nearly 45 per cent of the OUA's membership. Moreover, 107 members, including all 20 athletic directors, participated in interviews and focus groups that contributed to the key findings and recommendations.

With such an expansive group of participants came numerous demographic insights, as well as a deep pool of experiences that provided the foundation for tangible action items and takeaways, not the least of which was the disparity between how common for some and yet unknown by others racism was.

"Those who are racialized described everyday racism, micro-aggressions, jokes, and barriers to recruitment and promotion that, sadly, had become expected," said Joseph. "Meanwhile, those who had not witnessed, heard, or seen racism firsthand were completely unaware of the depths of the problem."

Based on findings such as these, creating awareness about racism remains one of the initial and critical obstacles toward establishing change. The recommendations within the report speak to this, while also expanding into other key areas that will help to foster an environment of tangible transformation.

The four key pillars identified within the report are: Education, Recruitment, Supports, and Accountability.  

Dr. Deborah MacLatchy, Chair of the OUA Board of Directors, sees these tools for change that emerged from both the quantitative data and qualitative research as providing "concrete actions that will fundamentally improve the experiences of racialized student-athletes, coaches, and administrators in the OUA. I thank everyone who came forward to participate from each of our member institutions."

The recommendations surrounding these four key pillars were among those brought to light by members of the OUA. They are presented to better support the identification and refinement of strategies, as well as advance efforts to help make the conference an inclusive and safe community for all; a community that allows for equal opportunities to achieve an individual's full potential for heath, well-being, and academic and athletic success.

"The OUA anti-racism report is a phenomenal recap of what our members see and experience on campuses throughout the province," added Christa Eniojukan, Co-Chair of the OUA BBI Committee. "It provides an extensive view of where we need to grow as a collective within the conference, with the findings conclusively illustrating the need for Athletic Departments to review the report and implement the suggested recommendations."

Continued Joseph, "The members of the OUA were very supporting of this research. There is a lot of interest in how to make change and advance anti-racism education to build up student-athletes for the time they are playing/studying/working at universities and in their roles as leaders of the future."

One student-athlete who not only participates within the OUA as a member of the Toronto Varsity Blues, but who was also part of the IDEAS Research Lab team working on the Anti-Racism Project, is Fiona Huang. And thanks to her diverse experiences with these and other student groups, along with her role as a member of the OUA's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee, Huang truly recognizes what a project like this means.

"It was such an honour to be involved with the OUA Anti-Racism Project with Dr. Joseph and the IDEAS Lab," said Huang. "It has been so enjoyable and rewarding to connect with other BIPOC student-athletes and groups across Ontario, witness the fruition of a strong community of support and the formation of the Athletes for Change Alliance. Reflecting upon the long journey of establishing student-led advocacy groups such as the [BIPOC Varsity Association] and the work behind the scenes allowed me to recognize the significance of the research being conducted by this project."

KP Anand, Chair of the EDI Committee, echoed these sentiments and reinforced what this research means for members of the OUA. "The goal of the review was to better understand EDI through the lens of what our student-athletes have experienced so that we can take concrete action to strengthen a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusivity across all 20 partner institutions across the OUA. We are grateful to have such a clear understanding of the issues and of the important work we need to do."

Anand further referenced action already taking place within the conference pertaining to these recommendations, which includes the recently launched OUA Black or Indigenous Heritage Student-Athlete Bursary, but as Joseph concludes, this report can represent even further strides moving forward.

"I hope the report can prompt reflection on ways to create tangible, measurable goals for strategic plans [and] can serve as a foundation for changing equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism."

For the OUA release, click here.