Take the Pledge
MLS Launches annual anti- discrimination campaign

The professional sporting world has been one full of diversity for many years, but it wasn’t always that way. It took years of struggle and major policy changes to level the field for equality to take place in most sports. Even today there remain disparities in sports, as has been demonstrated by the women’s national soccer team’s recent lawsuit for equal pay. Just for some perspective, the WNBA is only turning 20 this year; it has only existed since 1996.

To combat discrimination and create a more inclusive environment in the sport, the MLS has launched its annual campaign called Don’t Cross the Line. The campaign exists to make communities a safe space in which to enjoy sports and life in general, with participants working especially hard on ensuring that staff, club, players, partners and supporters are treated with respect and dignity at all times. A major aspect of the campaign is the annual public service announcement featuring familiar faces from all 20 clubs. Each person featured shares his support, explaining why it is so important to him.

JoAnn Neale, Chief Administrative Officer of Major League Soccer, says, “Through our Don't Cross the Line initiative we strive to reinforce our core value of diversity and foster an inclusive environment that is free of discrimination and harassment for our players, fans, partners and employees. We're excited that this year's PSA features the biggest stars from all of our clubs, and with the support of MLS WORKS partner RISE, look forward to extending the reach of this important campaign.”

Fans can take part by pledging their support and agreeing to adhere to the ideas behind the campaign. Visit the link above to take the pledge to work to fight harassment, bias, discrimination and prejudice. You just enter your name, email address and your favorite team color. You can also click the map on the site to see where everyone in the country who takes the pledge lives. Hopefully the map will be a sea of pins by the end of the month!

Be sure to spread the word about the Don’t Cross the Line campaign by sharing it on social media and inviting your friends and family members to take part by taking the pledge as well. As RISE tweeted about the campaign, “We'll accept nothing less than equality for all across the soccer community. Take the pledge to show you're with us.”

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

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