On Thursday morning, the NHL announced new comprehensive programs and plans surrounding anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion.
Devils defenseman P.K. Subban has been named co-chair of the Player Inclusion Committee (PIC) and Hugh Weber, President of Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment (HBSE) will serve on the Executive Inclusion Committee.
The Executive Inclusion Council "will be committed to spearheading more inclusive thinking and more inclusive outcomes throughout the hockey ecosystem." While Subban will co-chair alongside Anson Carter with the PIC to "develop action-oriented solutions that positively impact the access, opportunity, and experiences that underrepresented groups have in the game - and in the business - of hockey."
Other committees in the detailed plan include a joint NHL/NHLPA Anti-Racism effort which will work alongside the Hockey Diversity Alliance in the grassroot areas of the game. In its current plans, the committee will "establish and administer a first-of-its-kind grassroots hockey development program to provide mentorship and skill development for BIPOC boys and girls in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)." A U.S. based program will also be part of the future plans.
The league and player unions will also be a part of an array of learning opportunities through anti-racism educational programs, addressing "anti-racism, unconscious bias, dimensions of identity, micro-aggressions and cultural competency."
Players that participate in the yearly NHLPA/NHL Rookie Orientation Program, will be provided diversity and inclusion training, ensuring the next generation of NHL talent enter the league well prepared.
Among other initiatives, the league will continue implementing 'Courageous Conversations", these efforts will give members of NHL clubs to address "privilege, embracing difference, becoming even more of an ally and unconscious bias." All sessions will be 1-hour long and spearheaded by Kim Davis, NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives & Legislative Affairs and Brian Blake, the NHL Senior Director of Diversity & Inclusion. These programs will also be available to coaches and General Managers.
For a full list of programs, action steps and efforts CLICK HERE to read the NHL press release.
BLOG: Subban and Hugh Weber to Join NHL in New Initiatives
The NHL announced new initiatives to combat racism and accelerate their inclusion efforts
