Friday, November 20, 2020

MSSU Athletics unveils new logo, initiative to raise awareness of social injustice, other concerns


(From MSSU Athletics)

The Missouri Southern Athletic Department Thursday unveiled a new 'We Are One MOSO' hashtag and logo as part of other diversity and inclusion initiatives both within the department and University-wide.

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Diversity Sub-Committee is spearheading a campaign of ongoing diversity and inclusion initiatives. The Sub-Committee, which consists of SAAC members and other student-athletes, have agreed that as players they all compete, cheer for, hug, cry, win, lose and stand together as equal teammates. 








Every teammate matters and each sport would not be able to compete as well as they do without the support of each other. Beyond their MSSU uniforms, the committee states that student-athletes come from different backgrounds and the phrase 'We Are One' is what they feel embodies all that student-athletes are.

The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness of social injustice, inequity concerns, and other issues facing the student body - such as mental health, sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence, suicide awareness and disabilities.

The department believes its student-athletes and staff recognize the mission, values, and goals of the University. We want to take the pledge to stand against and dismantle conditions and structures that have suppressed people of any color.

Layne Skiles of the women's basketball team spoke about what this means to her.

"I am so grateful and excited to be a part of a generation here at Missouri Southern that is really taking a stand to unite and stand up for what we believe in," Skiles said. "Spreading awareness and making our support known for all athletes of all racial and ethnic backgrounds is something so special and important that empowers the athletes that wear the Southern uniform. With the huge steps MSSU is taking, I believe we will make a huge change."

Cassie Walton of the volleyball team talked about how the hashtag could both unite and bring about awareness.

"Our hashtag 'We Are One MOSO' means we stand together united as a school and are aware of the injustice happening around us," Walton said. "We hope our hashtag will help people tell their stories and start conversations about the racial inequality that is happening now."

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