Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy

Preparation date: December, 2024
Last updated: January 19th, 2024

Purpose
The BC Sports Hall of Fame is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful environment that values and promotes diversity across all levels of our organization and sport. This policy outlines our commitment to ensuring sport history in British Columbia is accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, ability, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation. Through our DEI Policy, we strive to create opportunities for underrepresented groups and address systemic barriers to access.

Scope
This policy applies to all members of the BC Sports Hall of Fame including Honoured Members, volunteers, staff, and Board members, as well as participants in all BC Sports Hall of Fame programs, events, and activities.

Our Commitment
The BC Sports Hall of Fame recognizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in building a stronger, more vibrant sport community. We are committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels respected and valued and has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully. In alignment with ViaSport’s Designation Program Policy, the BC Sports Hall of Fame actively supports and encourages the participation of the following underrepresented groups:

  • Women and girls
  • Indigenous peoples
  • Persons with disabilities
  • Newcomers to Canada
  • Members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community
  • Individuals from diverse racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds

 

Key Principles
1. Diversity
The BC Sports Hall of Fame embraces the diversity of the communities we serve. We are committed to ensuring that all programs and opportunities reflect the rich variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that exist within our province. This includes:

  • Encouraging participation from individuals of diverse racial and cultural backgrounds.
  • Promoting gender diversity across all levels of the organization.
  • Ensuring representation in leadership roles, committees, and decision-making processes to reflect the broader community.

 

2. Equity
Equity means providing everyone with fair access to opportunities, resources, and support, recognizing that individuals may require different accommodations to reach their full potential. To achieve this, the BC Sports Hall of Fame is committed to:

  • Eliminating barriers to participation based on gender, race, ability, socioeconomic status, or other factors.
  • Implementing equitable practices in recruitment, selection, and promotion within the organization.
  • Ensuring that financial, geographical, and physical barriers do not prevent individuals from accessing the Hall of Fame’s programs.

 

3. Inclusion
Inclusion is about creating an environment where every individual feels a sense of belonging. The BC Sports Hall of Fame is dedicated to:

  • Fostering a culture of respect, where differences are celebrated.
  • Ensuring all participants, regardless of identity, feel valued and are able to have access to sport and sport history.
  • Actively addressing systemic inequities that have historically marginalized certain groups within sport.

 

Safe Sport Commitment
The BC Sports Hall of Fame adheres to Safe Sport policies to create a safe, harassment-free environment for all participants. We are committed to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or identity, are protected from abuse, harassment, and discrimination. Our Safe Sport practices will align with national and provincial standards, as outlined by governing bodies, and will include protocols for reporting and addressing incidents.

Education and Training
Ongoing education and training will be a critical component of our DEI strategy. The BC Sports Hall of Fame will:

  • Provide training on diversity, equity, and inclusion for staff, volunteers, and Board of Trustees.
  • Offer resources to raise awareness about the challenges faced by underrepresented groups and provide guidance on how to create inclusive environments.
  • Work with partners such as ViaSport, Canadian Women and Sport, and BC Women and Sport to deliver best-practices

 

Conclusion
The BC Sports Hall of Fame believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to the growth and success of sport in our province. By working together, we can create a vibrant, inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy and experience sport. Our commitment to DEI is ongoing, and we will continue to make adjustments and improvements to better serve all members of our community.