NEW YORK – As part of the BIG EAST Conference's continued efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion, student-athletes across all BIG EAST sports will wear a "BE the Change" uniform patch during the 2021-22 athletic year.   The patch is intended to be a visual reminder of the BIG EAST's collective commitment to champion equity and racial and social justice.  BIG EAST league play in its six conference-sponsored fall sports begins on September 17.
 
In July 2020, the BIG EAST launched "BE the Change," a social and racial justice advocacy and communications program designed to serve as the conference's primary DE&I platform.   The platform is an outgrowth of the work of the BIG EAST Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group, which was formed in 2019 to promote diversity, gender equity and inclusive practices within the BIG EAST community and to create a strategic roadmap for member schools as they build on DE&I efforts already underway on their campuses.   The three foundational pillars of the DE&I roadmap are hiring, education and awareness.
 
"Our 'BE the Change' platform was fully embraced by our member schools this past year and powerfully captures our aspiration to make a difference in the fight against racism and social injustice in all forms," said Tracy Ellis-Ward, BIG EAST Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer.  "We look forward to expanding the platform in the coming months to further educate and inspire our stakeholders and to raise awareness about the work that needs to be done to end discrimination and bring about a more equitable world."
 
Earlier this month, the BIG EAST awarded its inaugural John Thompson Jr. Award to Georgetown University.  The award was established in 2020 to annually recognize an athletics department, team or individual who has demonstrated significant efforts to fight prejudice and discrimination and advance positive societal change.  During the 2021-22 academic year, the BIG EAST will also continue its previously announced partnership with RISE, a leading provider of educational programming that equips sports administrators and student-athletes to effect change on matters of racism, social justice and equality.
 
The BIG EAST:
 
The BIG EAST Conference is an association of 11 nationally prominent colleges and universities that foster healthy athletic competition, community service and the pursuit of excellence in academic environments.  The athletic programs of BIG EAST institutions provide national-caliber participation opportunities for more than 4,100 student-athletes on over 200 men's and women's teams in 22 sports.  Established in 1979 and headquartered in New York City, the BIG EAST's members are located in eight of the country's top 37 largest media markets and include Butler University, University of Connecticut, Creighton University, DePaul University, Georgetown University, Marquette University, Providence College, St. John's University, Seton Hall University, Villanova University and Xavier University.  For more information, visit www.bigeast.com.