STATEMENT FROM NSU ATHLETICS
Northeastern State University's Department of Athletics is committed to fairness and equality. This goes beyond the boundaries of its campus, student-athletes, and coaches. It is the basic foundation of who we are. We embrace these principles and respectfully ask our fans, alumni, and former student-athletes to work collaboratively with us to make our communities better for everyone.
"We recognize the troubles in our society, and are empathetic to everyone who is hurting, suffering, and frustrated," said interim director of athleticsÂ
Matt Cochran. "To those who want to be heard, we are listening, and we share those concerns. We firmly stand in unity with President Turner's statement that we must live by NSU's core values of Integrity and Diversity."
Dr. Steve Turner, NSU President, issued a statement Monday to the campus community.
"It is NSU's mission to empower students, faculty, staff, and the community to reach their full intellectual and human potential by creating and expanding a culture of learning, discovery, and diversity. The recent death of George Floyd is a sad reminder that we have much work ahead of us," said President Turner.Â
"As a human, I am heartbroken by this and other acts of oppression. As the president, I am concerned for the well-being of the entire NSU family. Additionally, I recognize the grief, anger, and shock that events like this can have on our community.
"We must live by our core values of Integrity and Diversity. We must strive to live in an environment free of oppression. NSU values diversity and empowerment by promoting the rights of individuals and equal access to educational and enrichment experiences, respecting cultural differences, and ensuring equal opportunity. We can do this through ethical and intellectual behaviors and practices that advance honesty, human dignity, and accountability."
NSU Athletics, a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association, also endorses the statement made by the MIAA earlier this week:
As a conference, the MIAA promotes equality and justice for all. We are firm believers in sports bringing all people together in moments of celebration and triumph, and sports serving as a catalyst for social change.
We are a conference committed, as individuals and together, to taking steps to make our society just and equal for all people. We stand for treating each student, coach, administrator, staff member, and fan with respect, equality, and love. The MIAA is dedicated to a culture of caring.
Currently-enrolled NSU students can receive assistance from HawkReach Counseling Services. Remote counseling is also being offered. Appointments are offered Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for online meetings. Students may request an appointment by clicking this link:Â
HERE
