N.C.A.A. Steps Up Pressure Over New Indiana Law; New York Times, 3/30/15

Marc Tracy, New York Times; N.C.A.A. Steps Up Pressure Over New Indiana Law:

"“We have to be able to conduct our affairs and our tournaments in an environment that reflects the values of inclusiveness and diversity,” N.C.A.A. President Mark Emmert told The New York Times on Monday afternoon. “Inclusion and diversity are real touchstone values in higher education.”"

UMass' Derrick Gordon says he's gay; ESPN.com, 4/9/14

Kate Fagan, ESPN.com; UMass' Derrick Gordon says he's gay:

"The 22-year-old shooting guard came out to his family, coaches and teammates in just a few days at the beginning of April. That's when he also decided to publicly acknowledge his sexuality.

"I just didn't want to hide anymore, in any way," Gordon told ESPN. "I didn't want to have to lie or sneak. I've been waiting and watching for the last few months, wondering when a Division I player would come out, and finally I just said, 'Why not me?'"...

Gordon, a native of Plainfield, N.J., said that a key moment for him came when the Brooklyn Nets signed veteran center Jason Collins to a 10-day contract in February. Collins, who publicly acknowledged his sexuality in April 2013, became the first openly gay player in NBA history when he took the court against the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 23.

"That was so important to me, knowing that sexuality didn't matter, that the NBA was OK with it," Gordon said...

"UMass is proud to have Derrick Gordon as a member of our athletic family and to honor his courage and openness as a gay student-athlete," athletic director John McCutcheon said in a written statement. "UMass is committed to creating a welcoming climate where every student-athlete, coach and staff member can be true to themselves as they pursue their athletic, academic and professional goals."

Amid Rising Discord Over Indian Images, F.S.U. Has Harmony; New York Times, 10/23/13

Mike Tierney, New York Times; Amid Rising Discord Over Indian Images, F.S.U. Has Harmony: "The Seminole Tribe of Florida has granted written permission for the university to borrow symbols of its heritage. While other tribes have pressed institutions to amend certain traditions or abandon nicknames and logos, Florida State enjoys the imprimatur of its sports teams’ namesake. “We Seminoles embrace that mascot,” Chief James Billie, the tribe’s chairman, said. “They honor us.”... Regarding opposition from American Indians outside Florida, Billie summons the notion of tribal self-determination, with each Indian people setting its own course. “We tell them to go back to their own territory,” he said. “Leave us alone. This is my place, my home.”... Wickman, author of the book “Warriors Without War: Seminole Leadership in the Late Twentieth Century,” considers the use of Indian representation distasteful and wishes Florida State would follow suit. “It is a profound insult to the Native American people,” said Wickman, who contends that support for the symbols among tribe members is not universal. “It is a white arrogance that is long due to end.”"