Navigating the Intersection of COVID-19 and (Re)new(ed) Calls for Racial Justice: A Qualitative Examination of the Experiences of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Professionals in College Athletics During A Year of “Social Justice Awakening”

The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the experiences diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) professionals in NCAA athletics governance structure. specific focus centered on multiple crises summer 2020, including both COVID-19 pandemic calls for social injustices its effects DEI work impacts within college athletics. In total, 23 semi-structured interviews were completed with professionals, five major themes emerging from results, including: (1) Reorganization Priorities, (2) Reactive vs. Proactive Work, (3) Challenges Virtual Engagement, (4) Emotional Fatigue, (5) Validation work. implications future research practitioners will be further explored.