TORONTO - The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) has announced the formation of an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee as a new Standing Committee, with Sheridan College Varsity Coordinator Tahir Khan being named its first chair.

During the 2020-21 season, the OCAA struck a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Ad Hoc Committee. One of the outcomes from this committee was the recommendation of implementing a Standing Committee on EDI that reports to the OCAA Senior Leadership Council.

"The passion and commitment that this group has shared during the last several months has been thought-provoking," said Khan. "We are in no means at the end of a journey, rather, it is the beginning of what I hope will be meaningful change to our association."

The OCAA strives to be a progressive association providing valuable student-athlete experiences. The EDI Committee will be responsible for supporting this vision towards an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment for all persons.

The values and goals of the EDI Committee are equity of opportunity for all; providing education to the OCAA community about equity, diversity and inclusion in athletics; identifying areas of priority and work towards positive change; consideration of equity, diversity and inclusion within the governance structure and processes of the association; as well as data-led decision-making.

Part of the functions and strategies of the EDI Committee include collecting equity, diversity and inclusion data on the OCAA members and participants; seeking opportunities to educate all stakeholders on relevant information; promoting training and events focused on awareness of equity, diversity and inclusion; reviewing and developing policies that support equity, diversity and inclusion; supporting strategic priorities with an equity, diversity and inclusion lens; and providing an annual update to the membership.

Membership on the EDI Committee will be comprised of a diverse and equitable group and will include the OCAA President, members of the OCAA office, Ontario Campus Recreation representation, student-athletes, coaches, a representative from the Head of Student Affairs (HOSA), student-athlete alumni as well as an opportunity for members at large and external expert representatives.

Earlier this year as part of its Directors Meetings as recommended by the OCAA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Ad Hoc Committee, a workshop was led by ULU (Uluntu Lungisa Usawa) for the purpose of having an open discussion around racism and inclusion in athletics.

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For over 50 years, the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association has been a dedicated leader in amateur athletics through the provision of quality varsity and recreational athletic opportunities at the collegiate level.

For additional information please contact:
Josh Bell-Webster
Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
Tel: 416-426-7041
E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com