Bringing DEI into Sport Management Classrooms
In January, the NASSM Student Board hosted the second session of its Engagement series. UNC’s Hannah Tippy hosted this session in collaboration with the NASSM DEI Committee. The session aimed to address one specific question: “How can sport management educators effectively integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their courses, especially in today’s shifting academic landscape?”
The event featured an esteemed panel of experts—Drs. AJ Keaton, Joseph Cooper, Ashley Ryder, and Natalie Welch—who shared strategies for weaving DEI principles into sport management curricula, making classrooms more inclusive and engaging for all students. The following is a summary of the insights shared.
Understanding DEI in Sport Management Education
An important first step in incorporating DEI in sport management curriculum is to understand what DEI is and the importance of it. Below are definitions outlined by the DEI committee:
Diversity: The categorical differences among people, including surface-level (gender, race, age, physical ability) and deep-level (values, attitudes, beliefs).
Equity: The process of ensuring fairness and impartiality in access, opportunities, and resources.
Inclusion: The intentional effort to integrate all individuals, particularly those historically marginalized, into meaningful participation.
Challenges and Strategies for Teaching DEI
In the current climate, where DEI courses are being challenged or even removed in some institutions, the panelists discussed ways to incorporate these topics across the broader curriculum. Key strategies included:
Abiding by institutional and state policies while seeking clarification from administration and state officials when needed.
Using evidence-based approaches to support the value of DEI in sport management.
Embedding DEI issues and topics across various courses rather than relying solely on standalone DEI classes.
Diversifying course materials by featuring scholars, case studies, and guest speakers from a wide range of backgrounds.
Incorporating DEI in Any Class
One of the biggest takeaways from the panel was that DEI doesn’t have to be confined to a single course and that it can and should be embedded across the curriculum. The panelists shared several ways to do this effectively:
Work collectively as a faculty to help develop opportunities to include a dedicated DEI unit(s) in your syllabus, even in non-DEI-specific courses.
Weave DEI themes into assignments and discussions by prompting students to analyze issues through a diverse lens.
Diversify case studies and examples—highlight sports, leagues, and athletes from underrepresented backgrounds.
Encourage critical thinking by having students reflect on their own perspectives and biases in relation to sport management.
Feature diverse guest speakers who can share firsthand experiences about working in inclusive and non-inclusive environments.
Use a variety of assessment methods to ensure accessibility, such as open-ended reflections, group projects, and alternative grading structures
Making Courses More Inclusive
Beyond content, the panelists emphasized the importance of structuring courses to promote inclusivity. Best practices included:
Simplifying course design with a predictable structure to accommodate all learners.
Using accessible and inclusive language in syllabi, lectures, and assignments.
Providing diverse assessment methods to consider different learning styles and needs.
Encouraging self-reflection by having students critically examine their own perspectives on DEI.
The Bottom Line
Teaching DEI in sport management is not just about covering specific topics—it’s about fostering an environment where all students feel they belong and are prepared to succeed and lead in an increasingly diverse industry.
As DEI initiatives continue to evolve, educators play a critical role in shaping the future of sport management by equipping students with the cultural competence needed to lead and innovate.
How are you integrating DEI into your sport management courses? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!