University of Memphis Athletics
Statement from Athletics Director Laird Veatch
Jun 09, 2020 | General
Through conversations with our coaches and administration regarding the racial injustice and social unrest in our country, it has become clear that while we come from different backgrounds and perspectives, we also share many of the same thoughts, concerns and values. Most importantly, we have found it extremely difficult to navigate the deep and personal pain that our student-athletes and staff are experiencing, particularly during this time of isolated disconnection. Many of us have also found it difficult to determine what to say and how to effectively support our colleagues and student-athletes, as we all work through these very challenging thoughts and raw emotions. So, we decided to start by listening.
Our first step was to host an open session with our student-athletes (over Zoom). This initial meeting revealed consistent feelings of anger, pain, frustration, confusion and depression. As with millions of others, the impacts of hate-filled violence against African Americans have brought powerful feelings to the surface regarding the enduring culture of racial injustice in our country. It was also clear that there is a passionate desire for real action. Real action that will make a real impact.
At the University of Memphis, we are "Driven by Doing" and Memphis Athletics is committed to doing our part. Not only in support of our student-athletes, coaches and staff, but also in our efforts to impact real change and reform in society. We have formed a leadership group from our department that will include myself, Jessica Thomas from our Center for Athletic Academic Services, Marlon Dechausay and Lauren Ashman from our Senior Staff, among others. We will also include a cross-section of coaches, staff and campus representatives who will engage and support our student-athletes, as we come together to collectively determine our most impactful direction and approach in this critical effort.
This will be a sustaining part of our culture and it will also be aligned in collaboration with our greater university initiatives. The University of Memphis has long served a leadership role in our incredible city, a city that has been central to impacting civil and social change in our country. We are proud to be Memphians and look forward to rising up to overcome hate with love and respect, together.
