The Athletic Equality Index was developed as a way to measure LGBTQ inclusion policies and practices in athletic spaces. This first-of-its-kind inaugural report provides a comprehensive look at how member programs of the NCAA Power Five conferences are supporting their LGBTQ student-athletes, coaches, administrators, staff, and fans.
To do this, a weighted scale was developed that scored the implementation and accessibility of nine critically important LGBTQ-inclusive policies and best practices. To view the full report and explore its findings and recommendations, click here.
Continue on this page for a high-level view of the data included in the report.
Researchers performed a comprehensive audit of handbooks, policy manuals, campus materials, social media, news sources and more in order to identify the outlined policies and practices. Scores were sent to conference and individual school leadership weeks prior to the public launch of the AEI, allowing schools the opportunity to review their assigned score and implement or make accessible any policies or efforts to maximize their scores. Scores will continue to be updated as schools make changes to their policies and practices, and/or continue to increase the accessibility of their efforts.
Note: The ACC scored 10 bonus points for making a pro-LGBTQ statement and being active in LGBTQ activism, as noted by adding 10 points to their initial score of 28.0 in the “Pro-LGBTQ Inclusion Statement/Campaign” category. The Big 12 had a school with an anti-LGBTQ policy, as noted by removing 5 points from their initial score of 27.3 in the “School-wide Nondiscrimination Policies” category.
Self-Report
If you’re affiliated with a currently scored program and want to submit updates that have been made, you may self report policies and practices here.
If you’re affiliated with a program that isn’t in the Power Five and therefore isn’t scored in this iteration of the Athletic Equality Index, you can fill out a self-report form and upload relevant documentation at this link to receive a score.
Impact
We hope that the Athletic Equality Index will act as a resource and catalyst needed for institutions to continue their pursuit of proactive LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices. We believe that everyone should have equal access, opportunity and experience in sport, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression — and are committed to producing resources that aid and support institutions to support that right.
Resources
There are many resources and organizations that are equipped to provide guidance on many policies and practices measured in the Athletic Equality Index, aside from our team at Athlete Ally. To move your program forward as it pertains to LGBTQ inclusion, you can explore and connect with the resources and organizations below:
The NCAA Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Rankin & Associates Consulting