Northeastern University’s Center for the Study of Sports in Society led a training program called “Addressing Hate in Schools and School Sports Training-the-Trainer Institute” for Taunton (Mass.) High School and Middle School coaches.
According to the Taunton Daily Gazette, the training aimed to give coaches tools to address hate, bias and discrimination in athletics.
Through hands-on activities and guided conversations, the coaches learned how empathy can improve challenging conversations on the field and in the classroom. Several coaches noted that handling hate or bias in sports is a complex challenge, but now, they have the tools to handle these situations.
“Our coaches set the tone for what athletics represents in Taunton: teamwork, belonging and respect,” athletic director Rapheal Dowdye said. “By engaging in this training, they are making sure our student-athletes feel valued and supported, on and off the field.”
“I feel much better equipped to create respectful spaces, not only for my athletes, but also for my biology students, and for all students across our district,” said Amanda Machado, volleyball coach at Taunton High School. Her feelings were shared by field hockey coach, Liz Hathaway, who described a deeper understanding of how different people experience sensitive situations.
“I walked away with a deeper understanding of how we can approach sensitive situations, as well as how others might see and experience these situations differently,” Hathaway said. “It really opened my eyes to the importance of considering various perspectives, as every individual brings something unique to the situation.”
Northeastern University first introduced the “Addressing Hate in Schools” training in 2023 after a reported increase in hazing and harassment incidents in Massachusetts high schools. The training has been delivered to several school districts across the state. Taunton coaches who have completed the training are now certified to lead training sessions for other teachers and professionals in the school district.
