Governing white apathy in university sport

Rationale/purpose
This study analyses how universities strategically and operationally consider racialised experiences of staff and students employed to deliver sport and physical activity.

Methodology
Twenty-seven staff were interviewed across five university research sites. Participants included Directors of Sport, Heads of Academic Schools, and, where available, Pro-Vice Chancellors. Coaches, team managers, and other sport leaders from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds were recruited via social networks, social media, and direct emails.

Findings
Using Critical Race Theory, two themes concerning “Governing white apathy” were developed from the data analysis: “Delegated Responsibility” and “On the Periphery.”

Practical implications
Dedicated policies and practices positioning equity and inclusion as central operational priorities were absent. Systematic monitoring and procedures to seek social justice for adverse experiences were lacking. Staff and student voices were largely dependent on the approachability of captains and senior sport leads. Microaggressions and racial discrimination were normalised experiences for coaches, and seeking social justice required robust evidence, which is rarely available in cases of racism.

Research Contribution
This study provides the first insight into the reproduction of Whiteness within the provision of sport and physical activity in UK universities.