NHL adds $5-million in additional funding to diversity and inclusion programs
The NHL has announced an additional $5-million in funding towards strengthing the league through diversity and inclusion efforts.
The investment is set to be spread out over 18 months, the league said.
“We believe we are a higher performing league when we have an inclusive culture that harnesses the power of diversity,” said Commissioner Bettman. “Now, equipped with the learnings and recommendations of our Player, Fan and Youth Hockey Inclusion Committees, we are taking the next step to bring real, positive, systemic change to the game. While this work takes time and diligence, because it is predicated on relationships and authenticity through action, we know the lasting value this work will have for our Clubs, the Players, fans, employees, business partners and everyone else who makes up the hockey community.”
The NHL says the funds will be directed towards a number of areas including inclusion education and learning experiences, workforce and economic diversity, multicultural marketing, fan codes of conduct and youth and amateur hockey.
“This investment is in addition to the ongoing efforts across the League and 32 Clubs, many of which have been launched in recent months across dimensions of leadership, education, employment, marketing, partnerships, participation and community and civic engagement,” the league said in a statement.
“Examples include, the Toronto Maple Leafs Management and Coaching Development Program, which offers paid contract positions to Black or Indigenous candidates (or those who identify as part of another marginalized and/or racialized group); the Pittsburgh Penguins’ development of the Willie O’Ree Academy, which offers tailored training and enrichment for local Black youth hockey players; and the Vegas Golden Knights’ ball hockey program in partnership with Ryan Reaves, which will build a ball hockey rink and sustain programming for the James Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada.”
The league also said progress has already been made.
“Progress has been realized through the establishment of employee resource groups; the launch of numerous BIPOC development, fellowship and mentoring programs; expert-led internal inclusion experiences for leadership and staff; a League-wide hotline to report unethical behavior and misconduct; the launch of hockey programs that increase opportunities for girls and BIPOC youth; and more.”
Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.