Carnegie Mellon University Department of Athletics’ Inclusion Practices for LGBTQIA+ Community Members

Introduction

The Carnegie Mellon Department of Athletics aspires to develop leaders, mentor students and teach values that will inspire lives of vigor, balance and greatness; to provide programs that complement the education that takes place in Carnegie Mellon’s classrooms by cultivating learning through competition, recreation and physical activity; and to offer robust and diverse opportunities that build character, teach motivation and foster collaboration, while preparing our students to succeed in all facets of their lives.

In order to appropriately and effectively achieve its mission, the athletics department is committed to ensuring an inclusive environment for all students, staff, faculty and others throughout its programmatic offerings.

Carnegie Mellon University embraces the participation of people of all genders, including transgender, nonbinary and genderfluid students, staff and faculty within all of its programs and facilities. Athletics department programs include physical education, intramurals, club sports, recreation and varsity athletics.

The Carnegie Mellon University Department of Athletics understands that lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer and questioning, intersex, asexual and other (LGBTQIA+) community members too often endure particular social stigma and emotional trauma on the court, in the classroom, and in the workplace, which serves as a barrier to fair and equitable competitive and learning environments. At Carnegie Mellon and within our athletics department, we take tremendous pride in supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals, and their participation in all offered programs.

Carnegie Mellon University Statement of Assurance

Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, ancestry, belief, veteran status, or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders.

Best Practices for Carnegie Mellon University Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation

Physical Education

Carnegie Mellon University offers a non-required, credit-bearing physical education curriculum. Carnegie Mellon acknowledges gender identity as a spectrum and the university and athletics department are committed to transgender, nonbinary, and genderfluid inclusion within all of its offered courses. If conflicts arise, contact the Director of Athletics, Josh Centor at jcentor@andrew.cmu.edu.

Intramural Sports

Carnegie Mellon University’s intramural program aspires to engage all members of the institutional community. Carnegie Mellon acknowledges gender identity as a spectrum and the university and athletics department are committed to transgender, nonbinary, and genderfluid inclusion within its intramural program. If conflicts arise, contact the Director of Athletics, Josh Centor at jcentor@andrew.cmu.edu.

Club Sports

Carnegie Mellon University aspires to offer a robust club sport program. Carnegie Mellon acknowledges gender identity as a spectrum and the university and athletics department are committed to transgender, nonbinary, and genderfluid inclusion within its club sport programs. Club sports governed by a national governing body shall follow the policy described in the regulations of that national governing body, similar to the guidance from the NCAA for varsity athletics. Surgical requirements will never be enforced. Other club sports shall follow the Carnegie Mellon Athletics guidance as outlined above for physical education and intramurals. If conflicts arise, contact the Director of Athletics, Josh Centor at jcentor@andrew.cmu.edu.

Intercollegiate Athletics

The Carnegie Mellon Athletics Department unequivocally supports the opportunity for transgender, nonbinary and genderfluid students to participate in intercollegiate athletics. Carnegie Mellon aspires to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for individuals involved in any, and all, of its programs and will do so in accordance with the NCAA process for participation. In addition, the Athletics Department’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion staff committee will continue to develop inclusive policies for participation and competition that can adapt to the needs of our gender-diverse athletes. The Student-Athlete Advisory Council, Plaidvocates and Black and LatinX Athlete Coalition will also review these policies annually.

As members of the Carnegie Mellon University community, we believe that all students should have equal access to the university’s programs and activities and be treated with respect and dignity. We look to establish and maintain an inclusive culture that fosters equitable participation for student-athletes, coaches and administrators from diverse backgrounds and varied life experiences. We believe that diversity and inclusion improves the learning environment for all student-athletes, and enhances excellence within that learning environment. Coaching staff members have participated in the university’s Tartan Allies training* and are committed to ensuring an affirming and inclusive environment for all.

Carnegie Mellon community members should expect that the athletics department staff and coaches will actively and passionately advocate for the rights of transgender, nonbinary and genderfluid student-athletes, including their eligibility to participate in intercollegiate athletics.

Carnegie Mellon Athletics Facilities

Carnegie Mellon acknowledges gender identity as a spectrum and supports individuals using any facility of their choice. Individuals may choose facilities that best align with their gender identity, including binary-designated spaces and/or gender-inclusive locker room facilities. Private changing, showering, and toilet facilities are available on both the aquatics side and fitness center side of the Cohon University Center. Gender-inclusive locker room facilities are also available at the Tepper Fitness Center. If conflicts arise that do not embrace these university and athletics department values, contact the Director of Athletics, Josh Centor at jcentor@andrew.cmu.edu.

Intercollegiate Athletics Competition at Other Institutions

Carnegie Mellon recognizes that it does not oversee policies at other institutions where its teams may compete, but the athletics department will do everything it can to ensure the inclusion of all student-athletes throughout travel.

Prior to travel, Carnegie Mellon’s coaches and administrators will work with the host institution to ensure reasonable accommodations that support a safe environment for all student-athletes and that student needs are met throughout the trip. These accommodations may include communication of preferences related to visiting locker room accommodations, as well as the appropriate use of a student’s pronouns and name in event announcements and communications.

On overnight trips, student-athletes generally will be assigned to share hotel rooms based on their gender identity, with a recognition that any student who seeks extra privacy will be accommodated whenever possible.

Resources

Students who need support navigating NCAA rules should contact Senior Associate Director of Athletics Kim Kelly (kakelly@andrew.cmu.edu). For questions, concerns or other discussion, Director of Athletics Josh Centor (jcentor@andrew.cmu.edu) should be contacted.

*Tartan Allies is a series of sessions offered to CMU faculty, staff, and students to foster a network of people who are committed to working toward an affirming environment for all at CMU. In particular, the series focuses on being an ally to those in the LGBTQ+ community.