I cannot attend any meet held in Florida at this time.

I recognize that the decision around where Summer Nationals is to be held is made well in advance of the meet.  Obviously, the recent notification by the NAACP that travel to Florida is not safe for many minorities is a recent development and not one that USMS could have considered in planning the meet.  Nonetheless, and much to my disappointment given my performance in Irvine, I cannot reconcile spending in excess of $1,500 on meals, hotels and rental car in Sarasota (a county that went massively in favor of the governor).

I hope that we do not have another national meet in this state where the leadership is leading the nation spreading bigotry, book banning, and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.  Some may suggest that swimming is apolitical. I strongly support the freedom for others to hold whatever personal opinions they may choose. That does not mean that I can reconcile providing my personal financial support to them as if nothing offensive has happened.

I hope that USMS will consider holding future events at venues where all members feel comfortable attending and that represent the core values of diversity and inclusion that this venue does not.  

  • It is never OK to bully anyone.....period. There is a much higher risk in suicide deaths due to bullying.

    The statistics on bullying and suicide are alarming:

    • Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people, resulting in about 4,400 deaths per year, according to the CDC. For every suicide among young people, there are at least 100 suicide attempts. Over 14 percent of high school students have considered suicide, and almost 7 percent have attempted it.
    • Bully victims are between 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims, according to studies by Yale University

    It is unfortunate that I have to have this discussion with adults within the USMS community. 

    Leann Rossi,

    404-643-6063 

    USMS Diversity & Inclusion Committee , Georgia LMSC Diversity & Inclusion Chairperson,  Ansley Sharks Masters Head Coach.

  • Right on, Leann!  I appreciate your comment about bullying on the forums, because I have been on the receiving end of that many times over the past 13 years.  Thankfully, some of the worst offenders are no longer on the forums, and they have not been missed!

    I especially appreciate what you said about empathy, compassion, and kindness-- traits that are becoming more and more rare in our "It's all about me!" society.