Title:Fighting for true racial justice

A recent gift from the Behrens family will establish a new position in the Department of Athletics: the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, which will focus on matters related to social justice, specifically the training and education of student-athletes, coaches, and staff members.

Lee Reed, the Francis X. Rienzo Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, said the new position also will facilitate partnerships between Athletics and campus units, providing opportunities for interaction between and among diverse populations.

“Georgetown Athletics is committed to continuing to develop a community where all members feel valued, heard, and respected,” said Reed. “The unjust killing of Black people at the hands of the police reminds us of our responsibility to not only educate, but to speak up in times of injustice. We support our student-athletes, coaches, and staff in the positive actions they are taking in the fight against racial and social injustice and we promise them that prejudice of any kind will not be tolerated in the Georgetown Athletics community.”

“My family and I are honored to assist the Athletics Department in creating this important new position,” said former student-athlete Mary Taylor Behrens (C’83). “We hope the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Athletics will serve as a voice and mentor for the Black student-athletes to feel more welcome and accepted on campus, as well as among their teammates. Additionally, the new position will help educate all student-athletes, coaches and staff on how to be better allies.”

Behrens was a member of the track team during her time on the Hilltop. Now, as a Regent Emeritus, she serves as the head of the Regent’s Athletics Committee. Her son Matt (C’18, L’22) played lacrosse for the Hoyas and her son Chris (C’16) also attended Georgetown.

“The goal of this gift is to harness the fullest potential of every player, team, and community on Georgetown’s campus,” said Matt Behrens. “To prepare the next generation of allies and leaders in the fight for true racial justice, we can start right here and model leadership in this moment.”