Florida State University Athletics
Statement From FSU SAAC
6/5/2020 4:55:26 PM | SAAC
The Florida State University (FSU) Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) maintains a fundamental goal: the betterment of the student-athlete experience. This includes disseminating information from administration, promoting a positive image, building a sense of community, and providing a forum for student-athletes to have their voices heard.
As student-athletes at FSU, we take it upon ourselves to embody the Seminole spirit and live unconquered. Together, we are One Tribe composed of hundreds of valuable voices all of which are capable of creating positive change. SAAC’s collective voice intends to echo these principles by refusing to allow racism, prejudice, stereotypes, and ignorance to conquer our community.
The recent events involving the senseless murders of members of the black community have made this collective voice more important than ever. SAAC intends to use its platform to create lasting and positive change. This requires that we hold ourselves, coaches, administrators, and others accountable for their actions, even if doing so is uncomfortable.
Florida State SAAC pledges to support and represent the entire student-athlete community. Every voice is valued, and we hope to provide an opportunity to all student-athletes to express themselves openly. No voice will be silenced as dialogue, communication and understanding are the basis towards a more inclusive future.
Student-athletes at FSU come from all walks of life, bringing different perspectives and experiences along with them. However, we are not immune to the racial and prejudicial issues that continue to plague society. In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” We challenge ourselves and the greater athletic community to answer this difficult question and strive to act in order to uplift one another.
Sports are often thought of as special due to their ability to unify individuals of all backgrounds to achieve a common goal. Why is it that the same cannot be accomplished regarding social change? What is it going to take for people to evaluate their internal biases and eliminate their discriminatory tendencies to judge others based upon the color of their skin, sexual orientation, and religious convictions?
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee wants to play a role in answering these questions. Our mission is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting well-being, fostering a positive student-athlete image, creating an inclusive environment, and promoting engagement. The committee members come from every varsity sport at Florida State and we intend to use this council to create change.
WE ARE ONE TRIBE. WE ARE UNCONQUERED. WE ARE SEMINOLES.