Anti-Racism Statement

NASPSPA’s Anti-Racism Statement

NASPSPA stands in solidarity with all Black, Indigenous, and racialized members of our communities who are fighting for a more just and equitable society. NASPSPA condemns racism. We aspire to a culture that is diverse and inclusive, and we know that it is not enough to only be vigilant. We resolve to challenge racial discrimination, oppression, and White privilege and power. As an organization focused on sport, exercise, performance, rehabilitation, and activities of daily living, we also recognize the important specific need to question the White-body privilege reflected in the readings that guide our research and practice, the study protocols that we develop and implement, the measures we use in our research, the leadership and mentorship practices we follow, the audio-visual and textual material we use as examples in our teaching, and the culmination of the work we do as students and current or retired professional members of NASPSPA. As a community of scholars, we believe everyone has a right to a quality, fair, and unbiased education and training.

With this statement, we demonstrate NASPSPA’s support for people and communities of all racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, abilities, identities, orientations, and perspectives. No matter who you are, how you identify, where you come from, why you do what you do – we value and support you, and we are committed to an anti-racism legacy. To address White privilege, institutionalized racism, structural inequities, and organizational complacency, we are establishing a Task Force on diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. The Task Force will include student and professional members, and will present recommendations for action following a period of research, consultation, and dialogue to build sustained advocacy and long-term accountability.

With a particular appreciation for the most vulnerable amongst us, the NASPSPA Executive Committee is committed to improving our organization and the broader academic community to which NASPSPA is connected. We will do better, we will be better.