Masters have leading presence in USATF’s new diversity website
Some high-profile masters athletes and administrators are part of a USATF project to foster diversity. This means what, exactly? Aren’t we already a pretty diverse sport, ethnically and stuff? For whatever reason, USATF has launched a website devoted to the committee behind this push. And it includes hurdler Dexter McCloud (a friend of USATF President Stephanie Hightower), Mary Rosado and Renee Henderson, our record-holding sprinter champ. The latest newsletter from this group — mentioned in last year’s USATF annual meeting minutes — notes the loss of diversity at the Mother Ship—the firing of Hispanic Doug Logan as CEO. Not well-timed, since this is National Hispanic Month, we learn. So what are we gaining by this investment in a website and new USATF bureaucracy? I’m eager to find out.
These headshots show the leaders of the diversity and leadership development committee, which hasn't gotten much attention.
25 Responses
Hmmm….maybe missed the US cultural calendar deadline by about 20 years?
I am slack-jawed by the sheer existance of this committee. With all the problems at USATF, they have the time and resources to WASTE TIME on this politically-correct BS. I just totally fail to see the “value” that such a committee and the monthly newsletters bring to us a members. ( Paying members by the way). It is just me, or is the Diversity Comm. a total waste of time and resources ??
Estoy de acuerdo contigo Scott
I would say that the 30-34 or 30-39 athletes are not represented at all in this committee diversity means much more then just race– I think USATF might be missing the all encompassing meaning of diversity.
hey Scott,
Its you.
Mike
Yessss, it’s me. Mike who???
Scott Hannay
Spot on Scott! What a bunch of freaking losers in this day and age. Who gives a *^#* if Doug Logan is Latino ???
Makes one wonder if any of them are qualified to do the job.
On another hand maybe they have a point. We did get more diversity with the recent elections….more REPUBLICANS !!!!
Daddy:Give me your address,I will send you some Colombian and Cuban CAFE
What is Colombian and Cuban CAFE ??????
Maybe we should be embracing this new group. As I understand it the main reason behind diversity initiatives (very popular these days) is that some individuals or groups might not feel at home, or be getting the same opportunities or access as the rest of the members or employees of an organization. So the diversity initiative tries to identify and address the needs of the diverse minority, because we don’t want to lose them as members or employees.
In this case, who’s the minority that’s not getting the attention, access, funding, etc.? It’s Us – the masters competitors. I say all power to The Committee!
Our USATF has done the immpossible in the last few months–made the old AAU look good. Scott, I agree with you and find it interesting that the “Mike”
. . . . (Sorry my computer went nuts) . . . the “Mike” above failed to identify himself and remains anonymous after slamming you.
Mike Shiaras
Yeah, I gotta agree. What a waste of time and $$$ What’s the goal? Those involved in T&F do NOT need diversity training/exposure. There is inherent diversity in the sport. IMO T&F folk are one of the most tolerant and accepting groups around. Goofy. It’s left me scratchin’ my head. Way to go USATF.
Let me get this straight, USATF has a committee to promote diversity and political correctness.
This committee is composed of 80% women, and 20% men, which is the same ratio of women to men in the USA general population, right?
Approximately 60% of this committee is composed of blacks, with less than 1% of its members white males, which is the same ratio that exists in the USA general population, right?
It seems that less than 1% of this committe is hispanic, which is the same ratio that exists in the USA general population, right?
There’s other confusing statistics one can derive from the makeup of this committee but why continue the farce? Like Mr. Beller says, I’m scratching my head as to why it is necessary at all in USATF.
And as Mr Shiaras says above, the current managemant in USATF has managed to make the old AAU look good.
Anyone of Asian descent represented?
hey Scott, keep an eye on Rudy Winkler in the weight/hammer throw!
Peter Van Aken
I have been competeing in track and field since 1960. I believe the picture of Rafer Johnson and C K Yang at the finish of the 1,500m during the 1960 Rome Olympics decathlon tells me all I need to know about diversity in track and field.
Dexter, in a tuxedo?
CAN WE ALL JUST GET ALONG
It seems USATF is turning into a “touchy/feely” , politically correct organization. I totally agree with other comments noting the inherent diversity of the sport as is. Why do we need this? Nothing but a distraction from the structural issues of USATF….this is not a good sign.
Say what? Track & field is where I learned about diversity MANY years ago!
I am not sure where to start. In so many ways the assembly of a diversity group is such an insult to the sport. Track and Field, without question brings together, the most diverse group of people, from race, to religion, education level, occupation, etc. Those of us who participate are ambassadors of the concept of team and of acceptance. Never have I seen anyone in track an field to not be accepted for who they are. We are also the most educated sport. So, to bring to gether a group to promote diversity simply escape me that we need this. This has personal agenda written all over it. So, to be considered ‘diverse’ do we pull a 6th place qualifier in the 100 (that is usually me!) to place a slower runner so we can be diverse? Or is this a common response from anyone who has seen the light after passing Sociology 101? I am confused.
It seems to me we should be focused on new members. We have enough problem with rules and regulations and parent-to-child approaches (I love the earlier reference to the AAU). We should be seeking and engaging approaches to getting new members. That is how diversity works!
hey keith…. ” don’t taze me , bro … “
I know that our local clubs will be competing in AAU more next year to protest the small minds and control freak politics of our USATF association. It’s not that we have a great love of AAU, we’re just fed up with USATF. It seems that all of USATF is descending into chaos.
Who is paying for this periodic journal on diversity? Do we not have enough problems now stretching our USATF Masters budget?
Track & Field is the most diverse sport that I know of. People compete because of ability and desire not because they are filling a quota. Does the committee want us to check the other entrants in our events and make sure we have the proper mix of blacks, whites, asians, hispanics, males, females?
This committee has too much time on its handsd.
Running in Sacramento this year, I just could not figure out – where are all the dwarfs and fat people? It seems so unfair to them.
Leave a Reply