(Charlotte, North Carolina) March 2, 2021 – Nation United Foundation (NUF), US Lacrosse, Black Lacrosse Alliance and various stakeholders in the lacrosse community have launched a transformative social movement dubbed the WE STAND Initiative (WSI). Aimed at promoting anti-harassment and anti-racism in lacrosse and other sports lacking diversity, the initiative was prompted by a racially charged incident that occurred in Florida during the summer of 2020 where three Black lacrosse players were harrassed during competition.
“We need coaches and administrators to become intentional in their commitment to inclusion and to stand against all forms of discrimination. This movement isn’t just about taking a pledge. It’s about action. It’s about social justice …There’s a monumental opportunity here for us to really enact change in our lacrosse community and we want everyone to get behind that.” [Eboni Preston, US Lacrosse, Director of Diversity, Equality & Inclusion]
The group has been soliciting individuals and organizations to join them in the pursuit to shift the culture within the lacrosse community to one that firmly opposes unjust or prejudicial treatment based on racial bias, socioeconomic and familial status, sexual orientation, physical abilities and gender identity. Since the inception of NUF affiliate, Nation United Lacrosse in 2015, they have recorded more than 20 incidents whereby acts of discrimination in the sport have led to damaging outcomes including emotional trauma, compromised safety, loss of scholarships, job loss and negative publicity.
“I believe it’s important to develop a culture where all athletes have a sense of belonging because we are stronger together. Exclusion creates isolation, and for many, that becomes a heavy burden mentally, emotionally and physically. It is our duty as leaders to foster an inclusive environment where all athletes feel, genuinely, part of the collective so we can see their full potential come to fruition.” [Jules Heningburg, Black Lacrosse Alliance, Co-Founder | Premier Lacrosse League, Athlete]
Open to all members of the lacrosse community, WSI is rooted in a change management model adapted to help ensure sustainable progress. The movement involves a schedule of ongoing events, campaigns and releases designed to increase support, create community, and empower allies. Participating will provide key stakeholders with the opportunity to serve as catalysts for greater diversity, equality, inclusion, and empowerment in sports.
“Developing a lacrosse culture that firmly opposes exclusivity, systemic racism and harassment is a moral and business imperative for the sport. We are thankful for those who have chosen to come together as a community on this important issue and look forward to others joining the movement soon.” [Jeremy Ardrey, Nation United Foundation, Executive Director]
Getting involved is simple. Take the pledge today at www.WeStandInitiative.com. Use social media to spread the word and get others to pledge. Download and share the official WE STAND Initiative logo card on social media using the hashtags #WeStandInitiative and #WeStandStronger. And, donate to the movement. Your contributions help NUF fund initiatives designed to promote cultural diversity, equality, inclusion and the empowerment of athletes 365 days days a year.
Media Contact
David Prater | WE STAND Initiative, Director | david.prater@westandinitiative.com
About Nation United FoundationNation United Foundation (NUF), a 501(c)(3) organization, promotes health and wellness by actively supporting greater participation in the sports across ethnic, socioeconomic and geographic boundaries. NUF is dedicated to bringing attention to the lack of diversity at the most competitive levels of lacrosse and serving as a conduit between underrepresented groups and key stakeholders in the sport. Learn more at nationunitedfoundation.com.
