Meaningful Change
LSU Athletics is proud to acknowledge the success of its inaugural Commitment Month, a month-long initiative designed to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion while addressing sexual and domestic violence prevention. Led by Eddie St-Vil and Ashleigh Clare-Kearney Thigpen, this transformative initiative engaged the entire Athletics community through a range of educational opportunities and service projects. With the active participation of staff and student-athletes, Commitment Month highlighted the unwavering dedication of LSU Athletics to creating an inclusive environment. Let's take a closer look at the achievements and notable contributors during this impactful month.
Inaugural Commitment Month ✅
— LSU Tigers (@LSUsports) May 1, 2023
April was a month full of education and eye-opening conversations. We hope these important conversations will continue. pic.twitter.com/xMU3vmt9Qd
Throughout Commitment Month, LSU Athletics offered a diverse range of educational opportunities to staff and student-athletes. These sessions were designed to empower individuals with knowledge, awareness, and the skills necessary to promote a culture of inclusion. Notable educational opportunities included:
Community Service:
As part of the commitment to community engagement, LSU Athletics organized four community service opportunities. These initiatives provided staff and student-athletes with a chance to contribute to the Louisiana School for the Deaf, the One Stop Homeless Services Center, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
GRACE Trainings:
Two GRACE (Gaining Resilience and Cultivating Empowerment) trainings were conducted, equipping faculty and staff with the tools to support individuals impacted by sexual violence. Participants gained a deeper understanding of trauma-informed care, empathy, and available resources for survivors.
Bystander Intervention Trainings:
To encourage proactive engagement in promoting a safe environment, two Bystander Intervention Trainings were held. These sessions focused on educating staff, faculty, and students on the importance of being proactive bystanders who intervene to positively impact potentially harmful situations.
Movie Debriefs:
Three movie debrief sessions were organized, providing an interactive and engaging platform for staff members to explore various diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. The films "Zootopia," "Remember the Titans," and "Philadelphia" were screened, followed by insightful discussions led by trained facilitators.
Chew on This -Lunch and Learns:
A series of Chew on This- Lunch and Learn sessions were conducted for staff members and student-athletes, offering a safe space for open dialogue and learning. These sessions addressed important questions and provided guidance on navigating uncomfortable conversations through a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens. Additionally, one Chew on This session was exclusively tailored for student-athletes.
Safe Space Training:
Safe Space Training, conducted online through a Moodle course, aimed to foster allyship and support for individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions. Participants completed the training independently, receiving a certificate upon completion.
Noteworthy Achievements:
Commitment Month witnessed remarkable dedication from staff members and student-athletes, with notable achievements and contributions, notably eleven staff members who underwent training to facilitate educational sessions, with eight of them subsequently leading at least one session during Commitment Month. The facilitators included Jon Pfeifer, Shelly Mullenix, Taylor Jacobs, LaKeitha Poole, Kenyatta Walker, Jaden Rogers, Leighann Westfall, and Hannah Campbell.
Similarly, an outstanding commitment by 4 staff members who demonstrated exceptional dedication by completing four opportunities during Commitment Month: Lyndsey Eckenrode, Shelly Mullenix, Jon Pfeifer, and Milan Stokes deserve special recognition for their commitment and active involvement in multiple aspects of Commitment Month.
LSU Athletics' Commitment Month stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Athletics community. Through a comprehensive array of educational opportunities and service projects, staff members and student-athletes actively engaged in fostering a transformative culture rooted in core values. The leadership of Eddie St-Vil and Ashleigh Clare-Kearney Thigpen, along with the remarkable contributions of facilitators and participants, propelled Commitment Month to great success. As LSU Athletics continues its journey towards creating an inclusive environment, these collective efforts will continue playing a vital role in shaping a future where these initiatives thrive.