General | 12/17/2020 11:21:00 AM

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Commissioner (PSAC) Steve Murray has announced the creation of a Social Justice Task Force. The group will represent a broad spectrum of backgrounds with the common goal of combating racism and injustice while focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the league. Serving on the Social Justice Task Force on behalf of the Bloomsburg University athletic department will be Faculty Athletic Representative, Dr. Molly Marnella.
 
The purpose of the Social Justice Task Force is to assist the PSAC and its member institutions in developing and recommending policy, programs, initiatives, and education for the awareness, improvement, and success of the conference's efforts in diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice.
 
"Athletics has often led the positive social movements in history," explains Murray. "Our role in improving the conversations and circumstance within which our member institutions operate is critical.  With the creation of the taskforce, we take a significant step in having a positive influence for particularly our student-athletes."
 
The task force is comprised of a diverse blend of student-athletes, coaches, campus administrators, and athletic department staff members, with at least one representative from each of the league's 18 full member institutions.

Dr. Marnella was named the NCAA Faculty Representative at Bloomsburg University in the spring of 2017. She has been a faculty member in the Department of Teaching and Learning since 2007. Dr. Marnella is also serves on several committees at Bloomsburg, including: General Education Council, Middle States, Student Enrollment Plan, College of Education Assessment Committee, and Strategic Planning Committee.

In September, the Bloomsburg University athletic department announced the "Protect Our Pack" campaign which was developed and led by Husky student-athletes. Last week, the department partnered with Game Plan as a foundational and educational support for all student-athletes. 

Through this partnership, every student-athlete at Bloomsburg will have access to more than 60 innovative eLearning and personality assessments explicitly designed for the modern athlete. The eLearning courses will provide education and information on relevant topics around academic success, career and professional development, brand-building, diet and wellness, financial literacy, healthy relationships, social justice, and more. The interactive modules will help student-athletes, coaches, and administrators develop awareness and resources in the ever-changing environment of college athletics.

For additional information on "Protect Our Pack" and the partnership with Game Plan, please click here.