MSU Announces It’s Representatives on New Big Ten Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition

In the wake of the video showing George Floyd being killed by a Minnesota Police Officer and ensuing civil protest across the country, the Big Ten announced they would be forming a new Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition. Today Michigan State announced in conjunction with the rest of the Big Ten the individuals who would represent them on the coalition.

Big Ten Conference

The 11 representatives for the Spartans include Athletic Director Bill Beekman, Football Head Coach Mel Tucker, and linebacker Antjuan Simmons. President Samuel Stanley, Deputy AD Alan Haller, Volleyball Head Coach Cathy George, and volleyball player Naya Gross join it as well. In addition are track athlete Brooke Bogan, former basketball player Lauran Aitch, Associate AD Elliot Daniels, and Associate Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Lorenzo Guess.

Michigan State student-athletes, coaches, administrators and others have been vocal about the racial injustice and social inequality throughout the country. Per the Big Ten’s announcement, the goal of this coalition “is to seek tangible ways to actively and constructively combat racism and hate around the world while also empowering student-athletes to express their rights to free speech and peaceful protest.”

In announcing the coalition, new Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren had the following to say:

“The events in our country and around the world during the past few months have strengthened my fundamental belief in our need to develop tangible and actionable efforts in a collective manner and provide viable solutions addressing the issues of hate and racism in our society. We have the distinct opportunity and responsibility through our Coalition to continually encourage, educate and empower our student-athletes as we embrace transparent and much-needed dialogue regarding meaningful issues that have impacted race relations for many years.”

Also announced was the launch of a Voter Registration Initiative that the conference says it has been planning since February of this year.