The aftermath of Rodmon King’s resignation from his role as Dean of Institutional Equity and Inclusion has had an impact on all walks of life on Connecticut College’s campus. The Athletics Department is no different. Though Conn may not be known for its sports in the way some other NESCAC schools are, the athletics experience is a vital part of the college experience for most student-athletes, whether they be sailors, basketball players, soccer players, and so on. The sports teams are also central to the social life and culture of the campus, especially given the Ccollege’s lack of Greek Life. Leading up to this week’s publication, in light of Dean King’s resignation, The College Voice Sports Section felt it important to connect with key figures in the Athletics Department, including directors, coaches, trainers, and student-athletes to hear their thoughts on everything that has transpired recently. The tone of their responses was largely somber and frustrated with the events and culture that led to Dean King’s resignation, and expressed a strong desire to take action and create change.
Though we could put fluff around these statements, we’ve decided they speak the loudest while standing alone. Different questions have been asked to different people and others were just asked to comment on their reactions. If the context of a question was necessary to understand the quote it has been included in italics about the answer.
MO WHITE, Director of Athletics:
We reached out to Mo White for comment but due to an unforeseen family emergency, she was unable to comment before our print deadline. Her comment will be included in a future edition.
JACKIE SMITH, NCAA Representative for Diversity & Inclusion, Faculty Sponsor for AOCC, Head Women’s Basketball Coach:
What was your reaction to the fundraising event at the Everglades Club, the resignation of Dean King, and the student response to the lack of DEI support on campus?
After learning of Dean King’s resignation, I immediately thought about the student-athletes that I have the opportunity to work with in my role as ADID. I then got just a wave of overwhelming sadness. He was an amazing partner in the work I am trying to do within the department, with our Athletes of Color Coalition, and the NESCAC as a whole as our ADID. I loved his approach to mentorship and collaboration with our athletics department. He was helping me create a framework for a DEI and Leadership training program that was based in inclusive dialogue and focused on strong foundational work with long-term objectives and goals. I am really upset that we have another hurdle to jump over in order to implement this program and so I understand, empathize, and support the student’s response at this moment.
What DEI supports are available within the Athletic Department?
Within the Athletic Department, we have myself as the ADID as well as our Title IX Coordinator and we both provide DEI support to students and coaches. Head Coaches are also encouraged to engage with their teams/athletes to support the ongoing dialogue of current and future needs to support our student-athletes. Administrators and our DIEI representatives are engaged with our AOCC (Athletes of Color Coalition) to support the ongoing dialogue of current and future needs to support our student-athletes. As previously mentioned, our department was actively working with Dean King to build out a DEI and Leadership training program framework for athletics.
Do you support Camel athletes who choose to participate in protests that may be occurring in the coming weeks?
I completely agree with the Connecticut College Athletics Department in their full support of the rights of students to engage in peaceful protests.
ANALISSE RIOS ‘08, Director of Sports Performance: “As a Connecticut College alum, hearing about Dr. Rodmon King’s resignation and the reasons behind it, proved to be quite disheartening and frustrating. I stand in solidarity with Dean King and applaud him for taking action to incite change on our campus. Our campus community needs change, and has needed change for quite some time. Dean King is using his voice for the betterment of Connecticut College, and therefore, as alums, it’s time we do the same to support the students and faculty demanding change.”
MIA SANTANA ‘20, Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach: “As a Connecticut College alum, fairly new staff member, and native of the New London community, it was very upsetting to hear about Dean Rodmon King’s recent resignation. While I only met and spoke with him a few times, I always felt moved by his knowledge, his passion and want for change. This time is no different and I, therefore, stand in solidarity with Dean King’s act of protest and act for change. His actions must not be ignored and I fully support the student and faculty’s demands for change on campus.”
We are still awaiting a response from the Athletes of Color Coalition, Student Athletic Advisory Committee, and Deputy Title IX for Athletics, Eva Kovach.
We sincerely thank those who responded to our request for comment on these issues. Athletics is not simply about playing a sport, they are about cultivating a community and growing together, so the environment that we play in has a huge role in that.
Going forward, if any student, staff, or faculty member would like to contribute something to the sports sections, or any other section in The College Voice, please do not hesitate to reach out to thecollegevoice@conncoll.edu. •
