The Athletic Equality Index (AEI) was released this week, measuring LGBTQ+ inclusion policies and practices in NCAA D-I athletic departments.
Launched in 2017, the AEI aims to:
- Set a gold standard of LGBTQ+ policies and practices in collegiate athletics;
- Provide feedback to NCAA athletic departments on how their LGBTQ+ inclusion policies and practices compare to other institutions across the nation;
- And offer resources and model LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and practices to departments hoping to update their policies and practices.
To accomplish these goals, colleges and universities were scored across 8 dimensions that have been empirically proven to positively impact the experiences of LGBTQ+ participants:
- Nondiscrimination Policy
- Trans Inclusion Policy
- Sexual Harassment Policy
- Collaboration
- Resources
- Fan Code of Conduct
- Staff Training
- Student-Athlete Training
All 13 of Ohio’s Division I athletic programs were scored.
Kent State University and The Ohio State University stood alongside only 10 institutions nationwide (of 350+ schools evaluated) to receive a perfect 100 score.
At the other end of the spectrum, 9 Ohio institutions received a failing grade: Cleveland State University (30), Miami University (30), University of Akron (5), University of Cincinnati (45), University of Dayton (35), University of Toledo (20), Wright State University (45), Xavier University (30), and Youngstown State University (40). 🔥
Ignite Action:
- Look up the school of your choice by searching the Equality Athletic Index homepage.
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