DALLAS (SMU) - SMU Athletics hosted a Diversity Forum for all student-athletes on Monday, January 18th, in the Miller Champions Club on the SMU campus. The forum was designed to discuss diversity and inclusion and the important issues happening on the Hilltop and across the country.

Director of Athletics Rick Hart and SMU's Director of Multicultural Student Affairs Creston Lynch spoke to the student-athletes about the university-wide commitment to diversity and inclusion as well as all the resources available to SMU students, a few of which can be found here. The event concluded with an open forum where student-athletes could ask questions or address the group.

This event served as another example of SMU Athletics' commitment to diversity and inclusion, as the department also puts on a Diversity & Inclusion Education Program, a focused 10-month education program that focuses on developing greater understanding of diversity and inclusion as well as how to work as a cohesive unit committed to addressing bias and discrimination. The series of seminars covers topics that integrate core competencies of higher educational professionals, equip participants with knowledge and resources on issues related to diversity and inclusion, as well as helping to develop tangible skills that participants can use in their daily work to maintain a supportive environment that will maximize performance. The seminars are presented in a variety of formats including group activities, personal reflection and case studies and are facilitated by members of SMU Athletics' Diversity Council.

"As I've said many times, diversity and inclusion are crucial to creating a model athletics program," said SMU Director of Athletics Rick Hart. "I'm proud that SMU is at the forefront with programs like this. Programs like this make us stronger as a department and truly benefit our coaches, staff and 424 student-athletes."