The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference announced the “MAAC United for Justice” campaign on Aug. 20, a campaign that aims to fight against systemic racism and inequality and bring light to racial injustices. 

The campaign comes after the statement released on June 2 by the MAAC, in which the MAAC president James J. Maher said that the MAAC is committed to work with people in the conference and others in college sports to create a safe and understanding environment.. 

“On behalf of the MAAC presidents, I share my deep gratitude for the work being done on our campuses and beyond as our student-athletes, coaches and administrators seek to promote education for social justice and combat racial injustice,” Maher said in the announcement. “We know this is a long and winding road, and we are fortunate to have such an amazing group of people who are committed to becoming the change we seek for our society.” 

Discussion for change came after the murder of George Floyd, according to women’s basketball coach Billi Chambers. Originally, Chambers had discussions with her team about the murder of Floyd and systematic racism and injustice. These discussions eventually expanded towards other teams in the MAAC. 

“These discussions about social justice issues have always been a part of the women’s basketball locker room,” according to Chambers. “It’s great that not only all of the teams are on board with the change, but also the MAAC,” Chambers said.  

“We spent a lot of time brainstorming first because we wanted to be clear and concrete on what we wanted to bring to the MAAC,” Chambers said via phone call.  

It didn’t take long once all of the teams were on board to contact the MAAC. It wasn’t a definite that the conference would be on board with the teams, though. Nonetheless, with a diverse conference and specifically a diverse team in the Gaels, Chambers was hopeful that the conference would side with the teams’ movement for change. 

“I’m thankful that everyone here is on the same page and is willing to have those tough conversations and just support the movement,” Chambers said.  

The conversations brought up followed by the movement put forth officially by the MAAC solidifies the already tight-knit community of the conference, according to Chambers. 

“I am proud that the MAAC is committed to stand alongside our young men, women, coaches and administrators as we venture into the spotlight of ‘good trouble’ to support this movement,” Chambers said in an interview with the MAAC.