MM 6.16: Big Ten announces launch of Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition

The Big Ten conference officially announced the members of the Big Ten Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition Monday, which includes representation from all 14 programs in the form of student-athletes, coaches, athletic directors, chancellors and presidents.

This comes after Big Ten Commissioner David Warren announced the formation of the coalition in an open letter following the death of George Floyd on June 1. The coalition’s goal is to seek tangible ways to actively and constructively combat racism and hate around the world while also empowering student-athletes to express their rights to free speech and peaceful protest.

“The events in our country and around the world during the past few months have strengthened my fundamental belief in our need to develop tangible and actionable efforts in a collective manner and provide viable solutions addressing the issues of hate and racism in our society,” Warren said in a press release. “We have the distinct opportunity and responsibility through our Coalition to continually encourage, educate and empower our student-athletes as we embrace transparent and much-needed dialogue regarding meaningful issues that have impacted race relations for many years.”

Among the most notable members representing the University of Maryland are Maryland football’s Chigoziem Okonkwo, Maryland baseball’s Maxwell Costes, head football coach Mike Locksley, head men’s basketball coach Mark Turgeon, head women’s basketball coach Brenda Frese and athletic director Damon Evans. University President Wallace D. Loh, who will be replaced by Dr. Darryll Pines on July 1, is also on the coalition.

The conference also announced that it will be launching The Big Ten Conference Voter Registration Initiative, which is aimed at encouraging student-athletes to participate in the electoral process.

An extension of the coalition, the initiative includes representatives from all programs in the conference and offers monthly educational programming from July through the general election on Nov. 3, 2020.

In other news

Testudo Times began its all-time Maryland women’s basketball bracket on Monday. Vote for your favorite former Terps right here.

Maryland football released a short Brian Cobbs highlight tape.

Former Maryland men’s basketball guard Varun Ram shared how to continue to help fighting the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Maryland basketball highlighted some of the best point guards, past and present, to come through its program.

Maryland women’s basketball wished transfer guard Chloe Bibby a happy birthday.

Former Maryland men’s basketball forward Jake Layman had a highlight-filled season with the Timberwolves in 2019-20.

The WNBA announced plans Monday for its 2020 season, which will include a bunch of former Terps.