After marking Juneteenth as an official and permanent company holiday, the Indianapolis Colts are also creating a new position within the organization to promote diversity and equality.
Per Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star, the Colts created a new position of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director.
The Colts are currently searching for a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director, who “will develop, lead and oversee diversity, equity and inclusion plans and initiatives that ensure awareness, respect and acceptance in the workplace.”
Once hired, the director will work on making sure diversity and inclusion is implemented throughout the organization in a variety of different areas including hiring practices, the team’s other practices and policies, internal and external communications, marketing, charitable giving and just about every aspect of the franchise, according to the team’s official job posting.
The Colts used last week to talk about racial injustice rather than football. Both head coach Frank Reich and general manager Chris Ballard have made it clear the organization will be more active in the fight against racial divide and inequality.
The NFL announced that they would be closing their offices on June 19, which is generally viewed as the official end of slavery in the United States.
“This year, as we work together as a family and in our communities to combat the racial injustices that remain deeply rooted into the fabric of our society, the NFL will observe Juneteenth on Friday, June 19th as a recognized holiday and our league offices will be closed,” wrote commissioner Roger Goodell in a memo. “It is a day to reflect on our past, but more importantly, consider how each one of us can continue to show up and band together to work toward a better future.”