Welcome to The Laker Inclusion Team
Mission
The Purpose of the Laker Inclusion Team is to initiate meaningful and measurable action that enhances diversity, equity, and inclusion within our athletic department and campus community. We remain committed to providing the best student-athlete experience, for all of our student-athletes. Our actions will align with the charge of the University and the GVSU Athletics Impact Plan to:
- Listen carefully and elevate the voices of our student-athletes and staff with marginalized identities, valuing each community member.
- Deepen our understanding and knowledge through education, domestic and international cultural exchange, and culture-building that reflects the diversity of our student-athlete population.
- Use this understanding and knowledge to address institutional and systemic oppressions to make meaningful change.
- Remain student-led, student-driven, and intentionally responsive to the unique needs of our student-athletes and staff around issues related to racism, anti-LGBTQ biases, and other oppressions.
- Develop and foster a culture within Athletics that allows student-athletes to bring their whole selves via an intersectional, anti-oppression approach.
- Build strategic relationships with key campus and external partners and experts to drive learning, cultural engagement, and cultural expansion.
Purpose
As Lakers, we ANCHOR UP and create waves for a SEA of Change.
- S: Support and elevate the voices of our student-athletes and staff with marginalized identities.
- E: Educate and raise awareness around institutionalized and systemic oppression.
- A: Activate change for social justice.
SEA OF CHANGE
Support - Elevate - Activate
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Derrick King
Director of Athletic Inclusion
Derrick is currently the Director for Athletic Inclusion at Grand Valley State University where he serves over 750 student athletes and athletic staff. He facilitates, presents, and creates spaces of inclusion and belonging in the area of athletics.
Derrick is a Grand Rapids native and a Pillar of the West Michigan community. He has a background in DEIB, recruitment, and higher education. Derrick earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in Human Resources at Davenport University. Derrick played for Davenport University for two seasons. Derrick earned his master’s degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.
Derrick is a servant leader who has a passion for standing in the gap for marginalized communities. Derrick serves his community and has become a bridge to the youth in the community.
Walter Moore
Associate Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Welfare & Development
350+
Student-athletes engaged in DEI training and leadership opportunities
96%
Attendance rate of student-athletes required to be at SEA of Change
98%
of student-athletes agreed or somewhat agreed
"I have increased my awareness of perspectives different than my own."
99%
of student-athletes agreed or somewhat agreed
"I will use what I learned to apply in my life with my friends, family, teammates, etc."