PROVIDENCE, RI – American Athletic Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco has announced the creation of a Racial Equality Action Group consisting of administrators, head coaches and student-athletes from The American’s member institutions along with select ex officio members of the conference staff.

The University of Tulsa’s Vice President and Director of Athletics, Dr. Derrick Gragg will chair the group.  

“We are at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history in terms of racial justice and equality, underscored by the tragic and heartbreaking events of recent weeks, and we have an obligation to our universities and students to enact real change,” said Aresco. “There is no better person than Derrick Gragg to lead this initiative, which is as important as anything that we will be doing. These problems are deeply rooted, but we can make an impact and effect change.”

“This is a monumental time in American history for higher education, intercollegiate athletics and the entire world,” said Gragg. “We will focus on developing meaningful, initiatives that will focus on eliminating racism, hate and bias while fostering unity, solidarity and equality.“