October 29, 2010

OHSAA Diversity Committee Makes Its Mark
By Brian Day, OHSAA Sports Information Intern

Created in 2004 to address diversity issues within the Ohio High School Athletic Association, the OHSAA Diversity Committee has not wasted any time making a significant mark on interscholastic athletics in Ohio. In the six years of the committee’s existence, it has promoted and recommended several changes. They include the addition of scholarships for ethnic minority candidates, the creation of an internship program for an ethnic minority student and the hiring of ethnic minorities of the executive staff of the OHSAA.

The council was also instrumental in the passing of an amendment to the OHSAA Constitution to ensure representation of women, ethnic minorities and 7^th and 8^th grade administrators to District Athletic Boards and the Board of Directors in a vote in 2007.

The group has made such a positive impact, the OHSAA Board of Directors approved the transition of the Ad Hoc Diversity Council to a standing committee of the board in 2008. Phil Stevens, athletic administrator at Warrensville Heights High School and member of the Diversity Committee, credits OHSAA Commissioner Dr. Dan Ross and the Board of Directors for the committee’s fast start.

“The recommendations presented by the Diversity Committee have been strongly supported by Dr. Ross and the Board of Directors,” said Stevens. “Both have proven to be key components to the success of the Diversity Committee.”

The committee works under its mission to actively promote an increased awareness of and a shared commitment to inclusiveness and diversity throughout Ohio’s interscholastic athletic community. It envisions a community where equity is assured regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, age and disability. The committee strives to create an interscholastic community that affirms the dignity, value and uniqueness of each person.

Stevens and committee co-chair Keith Bell, chief academic officer of Columbus City Schools, believe that the committee has fulfilled its mission thus far. While they are pleased with the direction of the committee, both agree there is work to be done.

“We have a very visionary group with a lot of great thoughts and ideas,” said Bell. “It’s time for action, it’s time for us to get those ideas off of paper and start implementing them.”

Currently, the committee is tackling two major issues. One subgroup is looking at diversity concerns within the officiating area of the Association. The group is gathering data and considering programs to attract more women and minorities into the officiating ranks. The Diversity Committee is also focusing on incorporating and examining student perspectives on diversity issues.

“We’d like to get feedback from students from all over the state,” said Bell. “It’s important for us to look at diversity issues that students are seeing through their eyes.”

The hard work and dedication of the Diversity Committee thus far has impressed Commissioner Ross.

“The committee has presented us with ideas for addressing these complex issues in a positive and professional way,” said Dr. Ross. “Recommendations for change have been made and the direction of the committee looks to be very positive in the future.”

Members of the Diversity Committee include:

Dr. Bunk Adams, retired administrator, Toledo City Schools
David Alvarado, Principal, Glenwood Middle School, Findlay
Richard Beal, Vice President, Steubenville City Schools
Keith Bell, Chief Academic Officer, Columbus City Schools
Rey Bradley, Athletic Administrator, Chillicothe High School
Anthony Brown, Athletic Administrator, Eastmoor Academy, Columbus
Gerald Cox, Principal, Trotwood-Madison High School
Barry Gullen, Director of Programs, Steubenville City Schools
Jose Hernandez, Principal, Fremont Ross High School
Dr. Deborah Moore, Associate Commissioner, OHSAA
Steve Neil, Assistant Commissioner, OHSAA
Jenny Penn, Athletic Administrator, Western High School, Latham
Roxanne Price, Assistant Commissioner, OHSAA
Mike Rotonda, Director of Athletics, Columbus Public Schools
Debra Sawyer, Assistant Director of Human Resources, Pickerington Local Schools
Scott Kaufman, Athletic Director, Princeton High School, Cincinnati
Phil Stevens, Athletic Administrator, Warrensville Heights High School
Carolyn Woodley, Athletic Administrator, Thurgood Marshall High School, Dayton