NFHS to Launch National Book Study in Fall 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Mautrice Meriweather
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (January 28, 2022)— The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the national leader and advocate for high school athletics and performing arts programs, will launch a first-ever national book study in the fall of 2022 in support of its focus on diversity, equity and inclusion.
The NFHS will work with its 51 member state associations, national DEI experts and authors of the book to involve individuals in the high school sports and performing arts community – students, parents, coaches, officials, athletic directors, school administrators and others – in this first-of-its-kind-initiative.
With the goal of gaining a better understanding of issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion, participants in this national initiative will be studying a book entitled, “From Athletics to Engineering: 8 Ways to Support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for All.”
Authors of the book are Johnnie Johnson, a former high school, collegiate and professional athlete, and Dr. Michael Webber, an educator and engineer, who use decades of experience in education, coaching, mentoring and leadership to suggest eight concepts to help in forward moving and sustaining programs that support diversity, equity and inclusion.
“As the national leadership organization for education-based high school sports and activities, the NFHS has the infrastructure to lead this national effort,” said Mautrice Meriweather, NFHS chief talent officer. “We are excited about this opportunity to impact individuals in our nation’s schools around this important and timely topic.”
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was one of five strategic priorities developed last year by the NFHS Strategic Planning Committee, which was composed of 17 state association executive directors/assistant directors representing all eight NFHS sections, and is included in the 2021-2025 NFHS Strategic Plan.
Regarding the DEI emphasis, the Strategic Plan states that “Addressing diversity, equity and inclusion through inclusive practices creates opportunities to improve the overall quality of the human experience.”
“We believe the opportunity to involve thousands of individuals in our nation’s schools in the study of this book dealing with diversity, equity and inclusion is exactly what our membership envisioned in formulating the Strategic Plan,” said Dr. Karissa Niehoff, NFHS chief executive officer.
The Strategic Plan further states that “Recognizing, inviting and embracing individual and organizational characteristics, values, beliefs, experiences, backgrounds and heathy behaviors are all powerful drivers for the NFHS to broaden and expand services and resources for all involved in education-based programs.”