Project Unify Introduced

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Members of the University of Arkansas Razorback women's basketball team announced plans Wednesday for a new community engagement program to raise awareness and to initiate dialogue on important societal issues. Project Unify will engage members of the community and law enforcement, to strengthen mutual trust, respect and understanding.

The concept of Project Unify was brought forward by members of the women's basketball team and will be developed and implemented in coordination with University of Arkansas campus leadership. The announcement comes six days after six members of the team knelt during the playing of the national anthem prior to an exhibition game to raise awareness of their concerns about recent police shootings and other challenges facing minorities.

Team members have informed head coach Jimmy Dykes that they will stand during the anthem moving forward.

"As I stated last week, we took a knee to bring awareness to the social injustice that we recognize in our society," said student athlete Jordan Danberry. "It was not our intention to disrespect the flag or the military. We have heard from many of our fans and we wanted to repeat that we have great respect for our military and our veterans who have served our country."

"We want to be part of change in our society," student-athlete Jailyn Mason said. "This past Saturday, our team participated in "The Dream on the Hill," an event sponsored by the Not My City organization in Fayetteville. We learned of how local police officers are reaching out to community youth to engage them in a discussion about the importance of forming strong bonds between law enforcement and residents in the neighborhoods. The event also provided us a chance to share our own concerns with the injustice that we see in society, which led to Project Unify. My teammates and I will utilize the resources available to all students at the University of Arkansas and within our community to create a set of key topics that will initiate discussions to enhance understanding between the different members of our community. Topics may range from police policies to youth programming. Ultimately, we hope these discussions lead to a community event and, hopefully, change in our society."

Head basketball coach Jimmy Dykes expressed his support for his players and for Project Unify.

"Over the past week, I have watched a group of young women support one another, even when their views and methods of expression differed," said Dykes. "They have developed a program, Project Unify, which is a call to action to address the issues that they care deeply about. The decision to stand during the national anthem moving forward recognizes their understanding of the importance of engaging in expression that does not disrespect the many veterans who have served our nation, which was never their intent. We will support their initiative as we continue our focus on basketball."

"University campuses are places of learning where differences of opinion are not only commonplace but important to the concept of higher learning," said Jeff Long, vice chancellor and director of athletics. "Within this setting, members of our women's basketball team shared their perspectives based on their own experiences and raised awareness of an issue close to their hearts. I am pleased that our student-athletes will honor our country by standing during the national anthem and I offer my unwavering support for Project Unify and will work to assist them in this campus wide initiative."