Minnesota State University, Mankato, a public university in the Minnesota State system, has posted a job opening for an assistant football coach that lists as its first qualification a “demonstrated ability to serve a diverse population and apply an equity lens, including social justice and/or anti-racism, to the role.”
The posting, which went live on March 24, 2025, was highlighted by conservative commentator Dustin Grage on X. Grage, a frequent critic of progressive policies, flagged the listing in a March 31 post, writing:
🚨 JUST IN: Mankato State, here in Minnesota, has posted a coaching job for their football team.
The first listed qualification for the job?
“Demonstrated ability to serve a diverse population and apply an equity lens, including social justice and/or anti-racism,
to the role.” pic.twitter.com/dn4QOsgeaK— Dustin Grage (@GrageDustin) March 31, 2025
The job is classified as a nine-month fixed-term position and is part of the university’s football program within the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). The conference’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) adopted an “NSIC Influencers of Change Pledge” in 2021, which seeks to “create an inclusive environment for all,” the university told Alpha News, saying the job posting reflects the values of student athletes.
The posting specifies that the primary responsibilities include assisting the head coach with recruiting, coaching, and other assigned duties. Following the top-listed minimum qualification, candidates are also required to hold a bachelor’s degree and commit to adhering to university, conference, and NCAA rules.
Preferred qualifications include a “demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment,” followed by experience coaching a defensive position at the collegiate level and recruiting talent from the upper Midwest or junior colleges. Applicants must also submit a one-page diversity statement outlining their views and actions on “advancing DEI,” including “dimensions of social justice and racial equity.”
The focus on equity aligns with the institution’s “Equity 2030” strategic vision, which aims to close “educational equity gaps” across race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status by 2030. The plan, detailed on the system’s website, calls for “equity-minded collaboration” across its 37 institutions, embedding “equitable practices” throughout the system.
Minnesota State University, Mankato, told Alpha News, “The employee hiring process reflects the University’s vision, which includes improving a diverse community and world, and its core values, which includes ‘diversity in who we are and what we do.’ Minnesota State Mankato strives to provide a diverse, equitable and inclusive working and learning environment where all are welcome.”
“There are three minimum requirements listed for the position, and there is no specific priority given to them,” the school added.
The university screens applicants for these minimum requirements before reviewing other qualifications, such as football coaching experience and additional preferred qualifications.
Symone Harms
Symone Harms is a Media Production and Business Marketing student at Bethel University. She is actively involved in The Royals Investment Fund, The 25, theatre, and other leadership positions. She also cohosts Rooted, a podcast dedicated to being rooted in truth, growing in freedom, and prospering in life. A Minnesota native with a passion for storytelling and digital media, she aspires to a career in broadcasting as a news anchor and reporter.
