Wittenberg University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion was enhanced recently when Joshua Moore, assistant dean for diversity & inclusion, was certified as a Division III LGBTQ OneTeam Program facilitator.
Moore was among 30 individuals from across the country to participate in the second cohort of the NCAA Division III LGBTQ OneTeam Facilitator Training, which was created by the Division III LGBTQ Working Group. The group, the first of its kind in any NCAA division, spent nearly two years examining current programming, resources, and recognition of the LGBTQ community and its allies and identifying areas where additional efforts could prove beneficial.
“A benefit of bringing the OneTeam initiative back to Wittenberg is to assist with the larger conversation we are having on campus,” Moore said. “How are we providing inclusive spaces for all of our students to ensure they are able to engage in all of the ways they choose to? We want all of our students to learn and engage in spaces that are affirming and welcoming of their true, authentic selves.”
The OneTeam Program is a free two-hour interactive session hosted by a college campus or a conference for coaches and administrators. According to a letter from the NCAA to Wittenberg, “The program has four objectives:
- To understand the involvement of the NCAA and Division III in LGBTQ issues;
- To recognize the importance of LGBTQ inclusion in Division III athletics;
- To learn common LGBTQ terms, definitions and concepts; and
- To identify strategies and best practices for institutions and conferences to ensure all individuals may participate in an athletics climate of respect and inclusion, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.”
“Our students can be who they are and be an active member of their sport and the entire division of collegiate athletics,” Moore said.
In early February, the NCAA plans to publicize the OneTeam program and encourage schools and conferences to utilize the program. Moore said he is beginning the process of planning a OneTeam Program at Wittenberg.
