NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Southern Connecticut State University Director of Athletics Jay Moran has announced that the Department of Athletics will host an anti-racism virtual panel discussion on Thursday, July 9, 2020 at 6 p.m. "Owls Stand Together Against Racism" is open to all SCSU student-athletes and will be the first of several in a series of programs to discuss and address racism.

"Southern Connecticut State University prides itself on being a social justice university," Moran said. "SCSU Athletics has the great fortune of hosting a diverse student-athlete population. In this time while the discussion and actions against racism are at the forefront of the conversation in America, we must support our student-athletes of color and provide them with an opportunity for their voices to be heard."

The panel discussion will be moderated by Dr. Steven Hoffler, Ph.d., L.C.S.W, associate professor and member of SCSU's Social Work Department and will feature a panel consisting of Southern Connecticut Hall of Fame members James Barber and Dawn Stanton, Men's Basketball Head Coach Scott Burrell and Volleyball Assistant Coach Marshay Greenlee, who designed the concept of the forum. In addition, a Southern Connecticut student-athlete will be chosen to participate on the panel. The five individuals will also serve as group leaders during break-out sessions, with Dian Brown-Albert, SCSU's Coordinator of Multicultural Affairs, serving as a co-facilitator for the session led by the student-athlete.  

This program is first and foremost for student-athletes to share their experiences and reactions, with highest priority given to our student-athletes of color. White student-athlete allies are also welcomed to share the space to discuss their reactions and identify ways they are working to fight racism. It is highly likely that this conversation will be emotional and personal; the goal is to be empathetic listeners. 

In addition to attendance to this meeting, SCSU Athletics wishes to provide student-athletes with the opportunity to give input for future programs that they would wish to be involved in. 

Panelists

• Coach James Barber is a former standout with the SCSU football program and architect of the Southern Connecticut men's and women's track & field programs.
• Dawn Stanton competed for Coach Barber and was a four-time All-American, record holder and ECAC Champion in the triple jump, long jump, 100 and 200 meter runs. She currently works with Southern Connecticut's Educational Opportunity Program.
• Scott Burrell is a local legend who excelled at UConn in basketball where he recently was the recipient of UConn's Husky of Honor Night with his jersey number retired. After a storied career at UConn, he went on to play professionally in the NBA, highlighted by a championship with the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls.
• Marshay Greenlee was a four-year standout with the women's volleyball team at the University of North Florida and is currently entering her third season with the Owls. She played an instrumental role in helping the Owls to their first Northeast 10 Conference Championship and second-straight NCAA appearance in 2018. 
• Dian Brown-Albert is Southern Connecticut's Director of Multicultural Affairs and a former member of SCSU's women's indoor and outdoor track & field teams. 
• In addition, the panel will also feature a current student-athlete.

The forum was conceptualized by Greenlee and supported by a committee comprised of Moran,  Brown-Albert, Senior Woman Administrator and Field Hockey Head Coach Kelley Frassinelli, Associate Director of Athletics Ken Sweeten and Assistant Coordinator of Athletic Facilities and S.A.A.C. Advisor Jay Turiano.