The NCAA and SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) rolled out their United as One logo as part of their continuing effort to promote stronger unity and inclusion in 2020. In the 2021-2022 Athletic season, Northern Vermont University Johnson Badgers Athletics Department adopted the NCAA Unity Pledge and "United As One" patch, starting with our Men's Volleyball Program & Women's softball programs.
The logo includes three different-colored hands holding one another's wrists inside a circle with "United As One" underneath. The mark was sent to all NCAA schools in the form of a patch to consider placing on uniforms.
Student-Athlete Unity Pledge
I am an NCAA student-athlete and I pledge to be a Champion of Unity on my team, on my campus, and in my community
I pledge to stand against all forces of division and separation.
I pledge to embrace differences and strive for inclusion and collaboration.
I pledge to stand against racism, hate, and discrimination.
I pledge to strive for love, care, and forgiveness.
I pledge to stand against silence, deceit, and obscurity.
I pledge to strive for dialogue, truth, and understanding.
I pledge to stand against fear and doubt.
I pledge to strive for trust and belief in one another.
I pledge to stand against complacency and stagnancy.
I pledge to strive for change and growth.
I commit to supporting my fellow student-athletes in all circumstances that impact them.
I commit to both choosing unity personally and encouraging it for all.
I pledge these things because we are stronger together.
#UnitedAsOne
In partnership with NVU's Social Justice Coalition, Johnson Badgers Athletics, will continue to keep the pledge "UNITED AS ONE". Our partnership between SAAC and the Social Justice Coalition helps us provide all 2022-2023 student athletes and Johnson Athletic coaches with NIKE Brand "UNITED AS ONE" t-shirts, along with NUV Justice T shirts. In addition, these shirts will be available for purchase, and all proceeds will go to fundraising efforts for NVUnity (student LGBTQ+ club) and the Collation of Minority Students.
The Assistant Athletic Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Brian Slater stated:
"To watch the growth and our spirit of togetherness throughout the entire athletic department along with the Diversity Task Force is incredibly humbling. This has allowed our student athletes to continue the conversation and work to fight for social justice issues. We continue to provide a platform for all NVU- Johnson students, faculty, and staff to speak on important issues and push the conversation for equality. This is in line with our athletic department's mission of diversity, equity and inclusion, which states thatJohnson Badgers' athletic department embraces all, and that we are here to help build healthy relationships and healthy communities. Collaborative internal and external partnerships support the emerging needs of students, staff, faculty, and the Northern Vermont University community and all communities in which we live and work in and out of the athletic department. As an athletic department, we look to be effective leaders, and to support the development of student leaders. We work with our student athletes to provide a careful range of programs and services to promote diversity and understanding of differences. We set a goal of creating and maintaining opportunities for engagement, education, and athletics, as well as discussions related to issues of diversity, equity and inclusion".
Associate Professor, Department Chair, Education and NVU's Social Justice Coalition Co- Chair Dr. Hannah Miller stated:
"The NVU Johnson Diversity & Inclusion Task Force (soon to be renamed as the NVU Social Justice Coalition in a collaboration with NVU Lyndon) to partner with the NVU Athletics Department on this project! NVU faculty, staff, and students are working every day to make NVU an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming community for everyone who joins us in Vermont. Those of us doing the work know that this is long-term, ongoing work that never ends. To keep us going, we need to create opportunities for joy, celebration, gratitude, and community to lift our spirits and help us see how our efforts are making a difference. This collaboration is designed to help us create a visual connection on campus: by wearing the t-shirts and the patches we can find others who care about this work and are dedicated to transforming NVU so all students feel a sense of belonging: we all belong here! Please join us by purchasing a t-shirt—all proceeds go to support two of our student-led clubs on campus: NVUnity (for LGBTQ+ students) and COMS (Coalition of Minority Students)".
The Assistant Athletic Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Brian Slater stated: