Collegiate athletics is a great unifier of diverse people. In athletics, we all come from different backgrounds, races, ethnic groups, genders, sexual orientations, ages, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, socioeconomic backgrounds, or other ideologies. Yet, regardless of these differences, we unite for a common goal. That common goal fixes our vision on something bigger than ourselves and deeper than our differences. That common goal gives us a reason to lay down our self-interest, so that we all can experience those special, victorious moments together.
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Therefore, the North Alabama Athletics strives to create a culture of diverse people committed to excellence, love, and leadership. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual. The expectation for all UNA Lions is to immerse themselves into our diverse culture, to take informed action to promote a greater good, to sacrifice for a greater good, and to have the courage to be world changers.
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The University of North Alabama Athletics Diversity Pledge: Together We Rise
Doing good, seeking justice, walking humbly, and showing respect are tremendously important to our world today. We will engage in creating solutions that positively affect our community and society as a whole, we will choose to take a stand, we will choose to listen, and we will choose to engage in respectful conversation to increase our understanding of others.
We will answer the call to be the change, to give more of ourselves in unity and in love. We will spread humanity, humility, dignity and loyalty. We will inspire others to rise above hatred, discrimination, and separation. We cannot rise, until we rise and roar together.
For that reason, I understand the expectations set forth by the North Alabama Athletics Department and pledge to enhance the culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of North Alabama.
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