We understand the pain and frustration from our student-athletes but unfortunately the lawyer for the plaintiffs has omitted some key facts. First, the programs in question are still ongoing at this time so they cannot be “reinstated.”
Second, the University of Iowa last recently completed a four-year review by the Office of Civil Rights on compliance with Title IX in the Athletic Department. In 2019, the Office for Civil Rights closed its investigation with no findings of any violation in the 13 categories of Title IX. The university remains committed to staying in compliance with Title IX.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are important parts of the Iowa Athletics Department’s mission. The elimination of these four sports will not negatively impact our efforts in this area. In fact, impact on Gender Equity and Title IX compliance was one of the factors used to determine which sports to eliminate due to the fiscal financial crisis created by COVID-19.
Finally, the decision to eliminate three men’s sports and one women’s sport, will impact 64 male student-athletes compared to 38 female-student athletes (roster numbers) and result in the loss of 20.7 male scholarships compared to 14 female scholarships. The university will work hard to support each student-athlete as they go through this very difficult transition.