SFU is aware that there are many different perspectives and opinions about the SFU Clan athletics team nickname, which dates back to the origins of the university and honours Scottish traditions. SFU athletes compete in the United States as Canada's only NCAA team, and we are aware that some have incorrectly made associations between our Scottish nickname and the Ku Klux Klan.

The university is deeply troubled by and attentive to the emotions and concerns to which these associations have given rise, and the impact they have on our athletes, particularly in light of our revulsion to and condemnation of anti-Black racism.

Review process underway
In response to student athletes' concerns about the nickname, SFU initiated a review process that has been ongoing since the beginning of 2020.  SFU Athletics will provide a report to the president in August and a decision will be shared before the fall term begins.

Guiding factors informing this process include:

1. The experiences and perspectives of our student-athletes and coaches, who represent SFU     every day in the colours, logo and name under which they compete

2. The University's commitment to engaging our community in decisions

3. Our belief that team nicknames should reflect shared values

Over the summer we are working through small virtual discovery sessions with representation from the following key stakeholder groups:
 

• Varsity Student Athletes

 

• Full-Time Head Coaches

 

• Athletics and Recreation Staff

 

• SFU Athletic Alumni and Supporters

 

• SFU Faculty

 

• SFU Staff (Student Services, Advancement and Alumni Relations)

 

• SFU's EDI Council

SFU student groups will also be given opportunities to provide input. 

The university is deeply committed to Black students, faculty and staff, and to the community at large. We acknowledge that we have much work to do to ensure that our ideals for a just society are reflected in our own practices, policies and procedures, and we are actively engaged in efforts to better support the Black community.

On-line Survey
You are invited to provide your feedback by submitting the on-line survey found here. The survey will take about 5 minutes to complete and will be available until 5:00 pm (PST) on Tuesday, July 14, 2020. *This survey is now closed.