Dear Carthage Athletics Community,

Black lives matter. This bears repeating again: Black lives matter. This does not mean that all lives don't matter, but our Black friends, families, students, colleagues, neighbors, and strangers have needed, and continue to need our support.

At Carthage College, our athletics staff fully believes that Black lives matter, however our department's inactions and lack of a clear voice has not displayed this belief. That changes now. We understand the impact we can have as a large, outward-facing department at a predominantly White institution. It is our job to listen, and to begin taking on some of the heavy lifting required for our campus to continue to heal and thrive. We fully support Carthage College's anti-racism plan of action and will do our part to help reach the goals of closing the achievement gap in graduation rates, expanding DEI resources, and educating ourselves and our student-athletes on topics surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Carthage Athletics coaching staff and administration will take the necessary steps to prove to our students and student-athletes of color that they are SAFE, that they are WELCOME, and that they are INCLUDED — not just at Carthage College, but on our athletic teams as well.

To get the process started as we enter the new academic year, Carthage Athletics has formed the Athletics Advocacy Task Force. This task force will be headed by Seth Weidmann (Head Men's Swim & Dive Coach) and Ian Wilson (Head Women's Soccer Coach). Coach Weidmann and Coach Wilson, along with the athletic administration and other head coaches comprising the task force, have helped develop short term and long term Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. These initiatives will be made public and shared on the Carthage Athletics DEI website very soon. We recognize we are overdue in taking action, but we feel strongly that there is never a wrong time to do the right thing. The Athletics Advocacy Task Force is firmly committed to the implementation of all the DEI initiatives, and will hold the Carthage coaching staff and administration accountable to ensure proper follow-through. 

As we mindfully take steps toward impactful change, we appreciate our community's support, encouragement, and suggestions. Constructive feedback is welcome - please email sweidmann@carthage.edu or iwilson@carthage.edu if you have ideas you'd like to share. Join us as we stand united in supporting Black lives. 

Sincerely,

Kelsey Peterson
Interim Director of Athletics
Carthage College