SALT LAKE CITY — In an effort to bring more diversity to hires, the West Coast Conference announced Monday a rule that will require all schools to include a “traditionally underrepresented community” in the pool of final candidates for every major job in athletic departments.
The conference is calling it the “Russell Rule,” named after NBA legend Bill Russell, who played collegiately at WCC member school San Francisco. The WCC is the first Division I league to institute such a rule. It extends to athletic director, senior administrator, head coach and full-time assistant coach positions.
“It’s my sincere honor to represent the West Coast Conference as a pioneer in adopting this groundbreaking commitment,” the 86-year-old Russell tweeted Monday. “The Russell Rule provides equitable opportunities for mentors of our student-athletes. I hope the @WCCsports initiative encourages others to follow its lead.”
The rule is part of the WCC’s “We are Committed to Change” platform.
“The Russell Rule is the result of the groundbreaking work of the WCC Presidents’ Council and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee,” WCC commissioner Gloria Nevarez, the first Latinx to lead a Division I conference, said in a statement. “Bill Russell is the greatest basketball player and social justice advocate the nation has seen. He is a champion for change.
“It is our belief the WCC ‘Russell Rule’ will live up to his legacy. Our goal is that the diversity of our student-athletes is reflected in those that lead and mentor them and provides a holistic and inclusive education during their time at WCC institutions.”