EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern today released a video in support of the “It Gets Better” project, which is committed to showing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people that a positive future for themselves does exist.
The video was filmed over the summer and features Northwestern Director of Athletics and Recreation Jim Phillips, head coaches Pat Fitzgerald (football), Kate Drohan (softball) and Claire Pollard (women’s tennis) along with current or former student-athletes Michael Thompson (men’s basketball), John Shurna (men’s basketball), Amy Jaeschke (women’s basketball) and Michelle Batts (softball).
“We are excited to join with the It Gets Better Project to take a stand against bullying,” Phillips said. “As a University and an Athletic Department, Northwestern takes great pride in celebrating each and every one of the unique individuals at our institution, whether they be students or staff. Bullying of anyone for any reason is not acceptable, and we hope others will use their voices to stand with us.”
To supplement Northwestern’s It Gets Better project video on the organization’s website, NU Athletics’ YouTube channel and NUsports.com, both 30- and 60-second public service announcements also will begin to air on WGN-AM Radio 720 and are available for any station wishing to use them.
Northwestern is proud to be a leader among collegiate athletic programs in taking a public stand against bullying. The Wildcats join a growing number of professional sports franchises, corporations and civic and government leaders in participating in the It Gets Better project.
Syndicated columnist and author Dan Savage and his partner Terry Miller launched the It Gets Better project in September of 2010 in response to an epidemic of teen suicides by those who identify as or are perceived to be LGBT.
The Trevor Project, a benefactor of the It Gets Better Project, is determined to end suicide among LGBT youth by providing life-saving and life-affirming resources including a nationwide, 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline, digital community and advocacy/educational programs that create a safe, supportive and positive environment for everyone. Please visit their site at TheTrevorProject.org.
Go to this URL to view Northwestern’s video: nusports.cstv.com/genrel/092311aac.html