Every year since 2005, the Rainbow Continuum, in conjunction with the Pride Center, has awarded groups for their excellence in support of the LGBTQ+ community. In 2007, recipients included CAPS, Student Health Services and Peer Health Advocates. In 2008, Bloss Hall and the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Department received the award. This year, for the first time, the Department of Recreational Sports was honored with the award.

This stems from Recreational Sports’ efforts to create a more inclusive space for all. These efforts include creating better signage that reflects the inclusivity of the space, specifically with signage for gender inclusive bathrooms. By doing so, Ali Casqueiro, Membership Coordinator at Recreational Sports who has been a leader in these efforts, feels that the signage helps to “remove perceived barriers individuals might have which may prevent them from using our facilities.”

Pink Clipboard

This echoes the sentiment of Vickie Zeller, an officer in the Rainbow Continuum who believes that “for everyone to feel included, you need spaces that reflect that by having inclusive spaces for support and not discriminating.”

Despite the many improvements, there is still progress to be made. Casqueiro remarked, “we must continue to innovate to find ways to include more people and build our community.”

Ali Casqueiro

Zeller remarked, “I am hopeful that various spaces, groups, and individuals will continue to make strides for more inclusive space.” Both give a reminder that continued growth and innovation go beyond classroom walls here at Oregon State University.

The Pink Clipboard award is a symbol of Beaver Nation’s commitment to building a community that is inclusive and welcoming for all. Creating a place based in inclusiveness is at the core of what Recreational Sports wishes to achieve - a space that is safe for everyone to learn, grow, and have fun. Casqueiro embodies this sentiment, saying that “Recreational Sports’ continued improvements and desire to innovate to create a better space for all is founded in the belief that everyone belongs here and is a part of Beaver Nation," showcasing that inclusivity isn’t just it’s an afterthought; it’s a central part of the community and what Recreational Sports and Oregon State University strives for.

Pink Clipboard

Pictured above: Emily Gritzmacher (left) and Stina Goetter (right) - PRIDE Center Leadership