• OVC Social Justice Resource Page | #OVCforChange Engagement Series Archive
As part of the
#OVCforChange initiative, OVC student-athletes, coaches and administrators will engage in dialogue to help shape a course of action and invoke change on a variety of social issues impacting their lives.
This week's feature is with SIUE head women's basketball coach
Paula Buscher. Buscher is in her ninth season with the Cougars program. In 2017-18 she led the team to a spot in the Women's Basketball Invitational (WBI), just the second NCAA Division I postseason appearance in school history. Buscher, a native of Peoria, Illinois, played collegiately at Missouri State.
Why is it important to be an advocate for social change/justice?
"It is the right thing to do, we all need to be a part of the change. Everyone deserves to be respected, treated with dignity and feel safe in our communities. In order for that to happen we all need to be a part of the change. Be better and do better!"
What are the responsibilities of the individual in regard to issues of social justice?
"Treat others as you would like to be treated. It is our responsibility as humans to make sure all are treated equal. It does not fall on one person; it is the responsibility of all of us to do what is right."
What should we be doing as a society to combat social inequality?
"Join together and each of us do our part."
What other emotions would you like to express about the current state of our society?
"I am frustrated that we can’t seem to get this right. As human beings it is not that hard to treat others with respect. There is no place in our society for racism and social injustices; we have to do better and be willing to stand up for what is right. I am hopeful that the young people we are blessed to work with on a daily basis are ready and willing to help be the change that is so needed in our society. We need to be all in and be willing to stand up for what is right."