Georgetown University Francis X. Rienzo Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Lee Reed announced a gift from the Behrens Family to establish the Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Athletics position. This new position will complement the Athletics Department's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Working Group as both efforts push the Department closer to its strategic goal of inclusive excellence.
"Georgetown Athletics is committed to continuing to develop a community where all members feel valued, heard and respected," said Reed. "The recent unjust killing of Black people at the hands of the police reminds us of our responsibility to not only educate, but to speak up in times of injustice. We support our student-athletes, coaches and staff in the positive actions they are taking in the fight against racial and social injustice and we promise them that prejudice of any kind will not be tolerated in the Georgetown Athletics community. We pledge to live up to our values by standing for what is right and ensuring that our work today will pave the way for a better tomorrow."
This new position will enhance the focus on matters related to social justice with specific emphasis on the training and education of student-athletes, coaches and staff members. It will aid the Department in continuing its partnerships with campus units to provide opportunities for interaction between and among a diverse population, and advance the Athletics Department's strategic priorities as it relates to diversity, equity and inclusion.
"My family and I are honored to assist the Athletics Department in creating this important new position," said former student-athlete Mary Taylor Behrens (C'83). "Georgetown has been committed to providing a diverse and inclusive atmosphere, but there is always more work to be done. We hope the Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Athletics will serve as a voice and mentor for the Black student-athletes to feel more welcome and accepted on campus as well as among their teammates. Additionally, the new position will help educate all student-athletes, coaches and staff on how to be better allies."
Behrens and her family have a long history at Georgetown. Mary was a member of the track team during her time on the Hilltop serving as a team captain her senior season. Additionally, she is a Regent Emeritus and serves as the head of the Regent's Athletics Committee. Her son Matt (C'18, L'22) played lacrosse and was a starter on the team that won the program's first BIG EAST Championship his senior year. He was also a Patrick Healy Fellow. Her son Chris (C'16) also attended Georgetown. The entire family has been active within Athletics supporting both specific sports and department-wide initiatives.
Coupled with the new position, Reed announced the formation of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Working Group last fall. It is a group of coaches, student-athletes and staff joining campus partners to study what can be done to improve inclusion within Georgetown Athletics. The recent nationwide protests shifted the group's focus to examine the experience of the Black student-athlete.
The department strives to have a concurrent mission aligned with the University's Jesuit identity and educational mission. The athletics program seeks to develop the talents, character and leadership qualities of all student-athletes and members of the community.
The working group has identified three areas of emphasis:
- Enhance Education, Programming and Resources
- Ensure Talent Acquisition and Retention
- Foster Outreach and Service
The group includes Vice President, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer Rosemary Kilkenny, Esq. who also sits on the BIG EAST Diversity and Inclusion Working Group.
"I would like for the working group to help all student-athletes feel included and feel like their worth is more than what they can do on the playing field, that their worth is to contribute intellectually in the classroom and to contribute to the overall mission of the University," said Kilkenny. "This mission of social justice asks us to take care of each other and create a sense of belonging. It is critical that every student-athlete truly feels that they belong at the University and that their place is not just to be on the basketball or swim teams. Every Georgetown student-athlete should be able to take advantage of what the University has to offer whether it be career planning or getting involved with a student organization, they need to broaden their experiences outside of McDonough Gym or the Thompson Center."
Over the past few weeks, Reed and members of the staff have been hosting calls with teams and specific groups to get a better understanding of what the Black student-athletes on campus are feeling. While this is just the first step in a long process, the department is committed to creating a community where all feel welcome.
"The goal of this gift is to harness the fullest potential of every player, team and community on Georgetown's campus" said Matt Behrens. "To prepare the next generation of allies and leaders in the fight for true racial justice, we can start right here and model leadership in this moment. Georgetown embraces their commitment to these common goals and challenges. I'm proud of the student-athletes making their voices heard, and Lee Reed and the University for hearing the calls for action. I hope this position serves as a bridge between the athletics community and our main campus, transforming each team, student-athlete, coach and member of our staff by understanding how race shows up in our own spaces, while empowering us all to take positive actions individually and collectively."
Student-Athlete Insights
Aniella Delafosse
Women's Track & Field
"I'm excited that the Athletic Department has taken the initiative to enhance the Georgetown student-athlete experience. As one of the three student-athletes on the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Working Group, I have confidence in our ability to highlight the experiences of the Black student-athletes in order to best serve our community and ensure that their voices are valued."
Rio Hope-Gund
Men's Soccer
"I am excited that the Georgetown Athletics Department is beginning to take steps in the direction of change. The inclusion of students in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Working Group is already a big step. Right now in time, people in positions of power and authority are listening, so now is the time to make demands and push for real, tangible change! I hope that this group can help amplify the voices and experiences of Black student-athletes at Georgetown, elevate us, and help improve not only the athletic community, but the larger Georgetown community as a whole."
Joshua Stevens
Football
"Georgetown's commitment to change with help from Lee Reed and the rest of the Athletic Department has shown us that change is coming. It is an amazing feeling to know that someone is listening to us as Black student-athletes ready to affect change. This group was formed as a sentiment of empowerment not only for my experience, but that of my fellow Black student-athletes and those to come."
