BALTIMORE – Loyola University Maryland's SA4SJ (Student-Athletes For Social Justice) initiative was named the 2022 recipient of the Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators (JASPA) Ignatian Medal for Outstanding Commitment to Diversity and Social Justice.
 
Formed in 2020, SA4SJ is dedicated to transforming the climate for Loyola University Maryland student-athletes, coaches, staff, and administrators by developing and creating a more inclusive environment, with a focus on the Black Lives Matter movement, LGBTQ+ communities, and other marginalized groups. 
 
The group includes student-athletes, Loyola faculty members, administrators and coaches.
 
Since its inception, SA4SJ has engaged the Loyola community in a meaningful way around the issues of racial justice, system racism, and developing anti-racist practices. It has hosted programs dedicated to making Loyola more inclusive and welcoming to all.
 
The group hosted an Anti-Racism Town Hall, a Casual Conversation on Race and Identity and Summer Reading Groups, followed by the Kaepernick Challenge, a moderated presentation based around the issues of race brought forth in the Netflix series, "Colin in Black & White."
 
The Outstanding Commitment to Diversity and Social Justice Award is given to annually to a program or initiative that is aimed at or an individual or a group of persons who demonstrates a strong commitment to issues of diversity and social justice in Jesuit higher education.