SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Union College Director of Athletics Jim McLaughlin '93 is one of 27 people representing the 11 Division I hockey conferences as part of the new "College Hockey for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion" initiative that was unveiled on Wednesday.
 
The mission of College Hockey for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is dedicated to creating positive cultural change across our sport through communication, education, allyship, and advocacy. Together we are working for a better tomorrow, one shift at a time.
 
That mantra – one shift at a time – reflects the group's determination to pursue the challenging and necessary work of creating positive cultural change, with a recognition that sometimes change comes as the accumulation of small steps.
 
"The energy and commitment that this group has brought to each meeting has been inspiring," said Jennifer Flowers, Vice President and Women's Commissioner of the WCHA and the chair of the committee. "We are united in our goal and recognize there is work to be done. The conversations we have had give me confidence that we can affect change and ensure that college hockey is a welcoming environment for all."
 
McLaughlin is one of three members representing ECAC Hockey, joining student-athletes Jennifer Costa (Dartmouth College) and Rory Herrman (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), as well as one of three college administrators among the 27-person committee.
 
"I am proud and appreciative to be a part of this dedicated group of student-athletes, coaches and administrators that make up College Hockey for DEI," McLaughlin said. "This has been an important step for college hockey at the national level to engage in the necessary conversations and more importantly, commit to action in addressing racial injustice and inequality in our society.
 
"This also complements the important work being done on our individual campuses and conferences. I have been encouraged by the depth and insight of our conversations thus far and look forward to the positive outcomes in the immediate and long term."
 
For more information on College Hockey for DEI, visit its new website at http://www.collegehockey4dei.com