April 26, 2021

Conversation about race and athletics is Tuesday

The final “Conversation of Understanding” for the spring 2021 semester will explore the history of race and athletics in the United States, with special attention to athletic programs at SIU. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members are invited to join the live virtual discussion at 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 27. 

The discussion will look at racial underrepresentation in sports, as well as the role of athletes in social justice efforts. As more states look at enacting laws permitting students to be compensated for the use of their name, likeness or image, this will be an especially timely dialogue. The meeting will be available on the SIU System’s YouTube channel. 

The event will feature an SIU community panel sharing its members’ experiences and stories, followed by a Q&A session through the YouTube comment section. Questions may be submitted before the event by email to pkeith@siu.edu.  

Participants will include: 

  • Dan Mahony, SIU System president.
  • Isais Smith, SIU Edwardsville, assistant professor, sociology.
  • Marcus Evans, SIU Edwardsville, track and field coach.
  • Liz Jarnigan, SIU Carbondale athletics director.
  • Tim Hall, SIU Edwardsville athletics director.
  • Robin Hughes, SIU Edwardsville School of Education, Health and Human Behavior dean.
  • China Jude, University of Wyoming associate athletics director for administration/senior women administrator.
  • Roderick Campbell, SIU Carbondale student-athlete.
  • Todd Bryson, SIU Carbondale interim associate chancellor for diversity. He will also serve as question monitor. 

This is the ninth in a series of virtual exchanges where students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members can share their experiences and thoughts on a variety of themes related to diversity, inclusion and equity.  

The SIU System President’s Office and the SIU System Diversity Advisory Council are discussion sponsors.