From Red Deer College

Kings and Queens will remain names for RDU Athletics teams

When Red Deer College announced its intention to change the names of the Kings and Queens Athletics teams when it becomes Red Deer University, the community spoke up. More than 1,000 people provided their feedback through RDC’s online survey, direct emails and other means, demonstrating their passion that the names represent both the College’s history and the future of Red Deer University.

Based on the positive feedback in support of student-athletes, Athletic teams and alumni, RDC will keep the Kings and Queens names for its teams when it evolves to be Red Deer University.

“For everyone who shared your positive feedback and your support of our extensive Athletics community, thank you. We have heard you,” says Dr. Peter Nunoda, RDC President. “Reflecting on this process, we recognize that we needed to reach out to you sooner for your feedback on what Red Deer University Athletics should look like, before deciding that we would change the names. We’re sorry for initially overlooking that step.”

With the College making the decision to keep the RDU Kings and Queens names to represent its student-athletes and teams in the future, the February 11 community consultation sessions have been cancelled. People who registered for these sessions will be notified.

RDC’s student-athletes have created a strong legacy of excellence in competition, the classroom and making an impact in surrounding communities through coaching, volunteering and more. The College is committed to maintaining the Kings and Queens legacy as it becomes Red Deer University. In support of its student-athletes, RDC appreciates the community’s commitment to post-secondary athletics in this region, by people attending games, volunteering or giving back in other ways.

There is one more important issue Red Deer College must address regarding the feedback received during the past few weeks about renaming RDC Athletics.

“It’s very important that people understand our decision to keep the names is based on the extensive positive feedback, and that the hate that was expressed by a portion of people – particularly on social media – does not align with the core values of our institution in any way,” Nunoda says. “It was never our intention to start this type of negative conversation, and we acknowledge that a number of people were impacted and hurt on a personal, organizational and community level. Inclusiveness is and will continue to be one of our values, and we stand behind that.”

Looking to the future, RDC will develop a foundational strategy on what inclusiveness and equity looks like within our institution. This will be modelled on best practices with human equity strategies, and adapted for the specific and unique needs of students, faculty, staff and stakeholders that make up the post-secondary community.