When they return to action, the Wisconsin Badgers will use a modified version of the university crest on their sports uniforms to show solidarity with black and other underrepresented communities, school officials announced Wednesday afternoon.
“I have previously stated my commitment to take significant steps that involve diversity and inclusion issues in our athletics department,” Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez said in a statement. “There is much work to be done, but I am pleased that we can show our support in a way that is important to our student athletes.”
The “W” on the crest of the university is typically white, but will now be black during the 2020-21 school year. Several current and former student athletes, including senior security Madison Cone, wrote a letter earlier this month to Alvarez, Chancellor Rebecca Blank and diversity director Patrick Sims asking for the change.
Cone remarkably represents badgers in the newly formed Big Ten Anti-Hate and Anti-Racism Coalition.
“This is the first way that athletes from the university and the University of Wisconsin-Madison can demonstrate that they are committed to creating an inclusive campus for everyone,” the letter said in part.
In addition to putting the college crest on their uniforms, either through a patch or a helmet decal, Wisconsin also worked with student athletes to create a black Motion “W” to be worn in select sportswear.
Photo courtesy of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
