NBRA Signs Women’s Sports Foundation Letter Addressing NCAA Gender Inequalities
We are proud to announce that the NBRA has signed the Women’s Sports Foundation Letter Addressing NCAA Gender Inequalities that were exhibited during the NCAA tournaments this March. Providing equal experiences and opportunities for all athletes at every level is an essential part of our organization. The NBRA continuously strives to support gender equality and urges the NCAA to use full transparency in their investigation in order to promote real change. Below is the official letter from the Women’s Sports Foundation that addresses the specific Gender Inequalities that occurred during the NCAA tournaments this March.
Official Sign-On Letter to NCAA
Addressing Gender Equity Review
Dear NCAA Board of Governors,
We, the undersigned individuals and organizations, urge the NCAA leadership and Board of Governors to publicly release all findings and recommendations of the comprehensive review of gender equity issues in NCAA sports, conducted by Kaplan Hecker & Fink LLP.
Our understanding is that the first phase of this review is focused on basketball and includes an investigation into the disparities that were visible during the recent Division l tournaments, as well as systemic and structural issues within the sport, and a later phase includes a review of gender equity in other sports and championships governed by the NCAA.
It is critical that the NCAA not only provide complete and full disclosure of the results of this review but also include specific, actionable next steps to ensure that there is accountability and meaningful change. We must seek to improve the systems and structures that have allowed such inequities to persist for so many years.
The NCAA must regain public trust and confidence in its commitment to gender equity and investment in women’s sports and, particularly given the widespread public and social media scrutiny, this can only occur through transparency and actionable items. Without complete transparency regarding the shortcomings and recommendations for change, this investigation will fall short of addressing the deeply ingrained and systemic gender inequities in NCAA sports and championships.
We look forward to reading the full report on the basketball championships from Kaplan Hecker & Fink LLP this summer, and the broader report on other sports and championships later this year. Should you have any questions regarding this letter, please feel free to reach out to the Women’s Sports Foundation.
Sincerely,
Women’s Sports Foundation
We encourage you to join us and the Women’s Sports Foundation in urging full transparency in the findings from the gender equity review that is to be conducted by Kaplan Hecker & Fink LLP. Sign up to take a stand against gender inequalities on the official letter online at https://www.womenssportsfoundation.org/advocacy/join-wsf-letter-addressing-ncaa-gender-equity-review/
