Racial Discrimination In 'Desperation Passes'

acial discrimination is often heard of on a daily basis. However, how often do we hear of college coaches being racially discriminated as applicants? In Desperation Passes, Delia Herman becomes an athletic director whose mission is to build diversity among coaches at the university. With the help of Arthur Allenby and Malcom Wade, it seems more plausible than before. There is a striking quote within the novel that gives us our first glance into the potential discrimination of coaches. It states: “Wade’s eyes were starting to glaze over again when she asked him to step out while she conferred with Allenby about the coaching committee” (Hutcheon 31). Herman did not want Wade to be on the committee alongside with Allenby, but eventually caved in. I believe Wade was discriminated because he is Caucasian and Allenby is an African-American Alumni. However, Wade wants there to be as much diversity as possible just like Allenby.

“I told her whether I chair the committee or not, there’s going to be a fair shake for minority candidates” (Hutcheon 32). This quote allows us to see an understanding between Wade and Allenby who want to encourage more diversity within the coaches at CSU. As we dive further, another quote catches my attention. “There are twenty-eight men’s and women’s varsity athletic programs on this campus. Not a single one of them has ever had an African-American or Hispanic head coach” (Hutcheon 45). This is greatly upsetting knowing that out of 56 teams, not one has an African-American or a Hispanic as a coach. Diversity among students, as well as, staff should always be praised and highly important when creating diversity on a college