The University of Denver is very proud of their pursuit and dedication to the ideas of diversity and inclusivity. Inclusiveness is listed among our five values, which we not only display on banners, like in Craig Hall, one of the most frequented event venues on campus, but we also make it a mission to express it to incoming undergrads as a part of their induction into life as a Pioneer.
We depict this concept as a pivotal cornerstone of the educational experience of DU. As soon as new students arrive, they are introduced to ideas of the single story, and the dangers of stereotyping, identity ascription and holding people within the boxes of their social identity. With collaborative work by organizations such as CME, the International House and Joint Council these efforts on campus are impossible to miss.
But with all of these strong values and efforts, how is it that we as a community continue to miss a specific, blaring gender inequality in front of us?
It is a simple example, but that is how micro-aggressions work; they hide within our everyday activities so as to be disguised in culture as norms, therefore eluding challenge or criticism.
What is the inequality I’m speaking of?
A little rule in intramural sports games that on coed teams, a goal scored by a girl is worth two points, versus that of their male teammate which is only worth one. To some this is enraging, to others minuscule, but either way it is a point of hypocrisy within our University. If we stand for inclusive excellence, we must begin with the simple, often overlooked micro-aggressions.
Are women weaker?
Less likely to get points?
Is it that much harder for us, and therefore we should get a greater reward?
Some people are surprised this even exists, and for others it seems a normal rule. This normalization is what the danger is. I will credit intramural sports, they do permit the rule to be dismissed, but only if both captains and the referee agree at the beginning of the game and it is not regularly advertised as an option.
Being the captain of my intramural soccer team, I talked with my team and we all agreed we wanted to dismiss the rule for every game of our season.
Whenever I ask the referee though, it is greeted with dismissal or questions of certainty whether I really want to make that change. It is clear that in a sports setting at DU, the lessened female athlete is normalized through this small rule and its big impact.
Therefore, I believe the removal of such a rule could largely impact the role of female athletes and how they are viewed on coed teams.
