WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – Juniors Ian Groom and Malcom Bell and sophomore Malik Gay of the Hartford men's lacrosse team received the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Award, the University of Hartford announced.
 
The award recognizes the outstanding efforts of an organization and/or student that is actively engaged in promoting and implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This award honors the challenging task of further transforming our community into one that not only celebrates but fully embraces DEI.
 
"Protest comes in many forms and I am proud that Malcolm, Ian and Malik used their voice to educate about their experiences not only as black student-athletes but also student-athletes in a sport that lacks diversity," said Associate Athletics Director for Compliance and DEI, Phyllon Jackson. "Their journey and experiences preempted them to create a black student-athlete affinity group that will serve as a safe space and provide support for the other student-athletes of color."
 
The trio earned the honor after hosting a brave space conversation open to the entire university to talk about their personal experience in the sport of lacrosse as black men. They also formed the Black Student-Athlete Affinity Group, allowing all athletes of color to provide support for one another.