We Are Not Who We Thought We Were: A Case Study of Race in Intercollegiate Athletics

The case study is guided by Bell’s critical race theory as a lens for understanding racial discrimination. Critical race theory was used at a collegiate institution that served as a representation of a larger societal pattern throughout the United States. A hypothetical university was created, and scenarios were integrated based on actual events that took place at various intercollegiate institutions across the country in recent years. Ashley Miller, the athletic director at the University of Southeast Illinois, was facing an incredible challenge after a transfer football player posted allegations of racism within the University of Southeast Illinois football program. The university hired an outside law firm to investigate the climate of the football program and the athletics department as a whole. The law firm provided a report identifying specific incidents and concerns. Students will review the findings of the law firm and provide specific recommendations to the athletics department to address the allegations of racial inequities and promote diversity and inclusion in the football program and athletics department moving forward.