A statement from UAF Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs & Athletics, Dr. Keith Champagne:

The senseless killing of George Floyd on May 25, 2020 has once again exposed the systemic and institutionalized racism in our country. The subsequent civil unrest explicitly demonstrates the lack of progress within the nation's elusive quest of social justice and societal equity.

For the past 50 years, American intercollegiate athletics, and sport in general, have been an ongoing catalyst for change and progress in our nation. Many professional and collegiate athletes have, and will continue to be, influencers to eradicate racism in all segments in our society.

At the University of Alaska Fairbanks, our athletics administration, coaches and staff remain committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, equitable and caring climate for all of our student-athletes. At UAF, we will continue to challenge ourselves and others to develop an acknowledgement and understanding of racial inequities and social injustices. Thus, I will be creating the Alaska Nanooks Athletic Director's Inclusion and Diversity Council prior to the start of the 2020-21 academic year.

We will make a demonstrated commitment to do our part in assisting UAF, the Division of Student Affairs and our own athletics department in dismantling and eradicating systemic racist, sexist and oppressive structures in our institutions and in society.